Musnad Abu Ya'la al-Mawsili 42:1

Abu Khaythama narrated to us, Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah narrated to us, he said: 'Amr heard Jabir narrating from Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, from the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who said: "A time will come upon the people when a group of people will go out to fight (in battle), and it will be said to them: 'Is there among you anyone who saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?' They will say: 'Yes,' and they will be granted victory. Then a group of people will go out to fight, and it will be said: 'Is there among you anyone who saw those who accompanied the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?' They will say: 'Yes,' and they will be granted victory. Then a group of people will go out to fight, and it will be said to them: 'Is there among you anyone who saw those who accompanied those who accompanied the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?' They will say: 'Yes,' and they will be granted victory."