The men whom Allaah chose to carry the message of Allaah to mankind.

Allaah says: And indeed we have sent messengers before you (O Muhammad). Of them are those whose story We have related to you, and some of those whose story We have not related to you. [Soorah Faatir: 24]

From Abu Hurayrah (radiyallaahu 'anhu) who said: that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: I am the master of the sons of Adam on the Day of Judgement, the first to appear from the grave, the first interceder, and the first one subject to intercession. [Muslim. See Sharh Saheeh Muslim (15/37-38) of Imaam an-Nawawee.]

Waathilah Ibnul Aqsaa said he heard the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) say: Allaah chose Kinaanah from the children of Ismaa'eel. He chose Quraysh from Kinaanah, and from them He chose Banee Haashim. And He chose me from amongst the latter. [Muslim, and Tirmidthee who said: a good and authentic hadeeth. See Sharh Saheeh Muslim of Imaam an-Nawawee (5/36), and Ibnul A'arabee's explanation of Jaami'ut Tirmidthee (13/102-103)]