Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked: Who among the people is the most honorable? He replied: The one who fears Allah the most. The companions said: We did not ask about this. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Then the most honorable among the people is Allah’s Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), whose father was also a prophet, whose grandfather was also a prophet, and whose great-grandfather was the Friend of Allah (Khalilullah). The companions said: Our question was not about this either. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Then are you asking about the mines of the Arabs (i.e., different people)? People are like mines; the best among them in the pre-Islamic era are the best in Islam as well, provided they gain understanding of the religion.