It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked: "Which people are the most honorable and noble?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied: "The most honorable in the sight of Allah is the one who is most God-fearing." The people said: "We are not asking about this." The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then the best of people is Allah’s Prophet Yusuf, son of Allah’s Prophet, son of Allah’s Khalil (friend)." They said: "This is not what we mean." The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Alright, you want to ask about the families of the Arabs?" They said: "Yes!" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Those among you who were best in the pre-Islamic period are the best in Islam as well, provided they gain understanding and knowledge of the religion."