Tradition

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:
(On the Day of Judgment, a group would be seen in the most excellent and honourable of states. They would be asked if they were of the Angels or of the Prophets. In reply they would state): ‘We are neither Angels nor Prophets but of the indigent ones from the nation of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.).’ They would then be asked: ‘How then did you achieve this lofty and honourable status?’ They would reply: ‘We did not perform very many good deeds nor did we pass all the days in a state of fasting or all the nights in a state of worship but yes, we used to offer our (daily) prayers (regularly) and whenever we used to hear the mention of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.), tears would roll down our cheeks.’
Mustadrak al-Wasaail, v 10, p 318