Awf ibn Malik, said that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, once said: “How eager am I to meet my brothers.”
So Abu Bakr and Umar said: “Are we not your brothers? We have believed in you, and migrated with you.”
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: “No doubt, you have believed and migrated, yet I am eager to meet my brothers.” Then he repeated the statement.
Then he said: “You are my companions. But my brothers are those who will come after you have gone. They will believe in me, love me, help me, and confirm me – without ever having seen me.
How I wish to meet my brothers!”