Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked, "Who are the most honorable of the people?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The most
honorable of them in Allah's Sight are those who keep their duty to Allah and fear Him. They said,
"We do not ask you about that." He said, "Then the most honorable of the people is Joseph, Allah's
prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's Khalil i.e. Abraham)
They said, "We do not ask you about that." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Do you ask about (the virtues of the
ancestry of the Arabs?" They said, "Yes," He said, "Those who were the best amongst you in the Prelslamic
Period are the best amongst you in Islam if they comprehend (the Islamic religion).
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked about the most honorable people. He emphasized that true honor in the sight of Allah is based on piety and righteousness. The Prophet (ﷺ) also highlighted the nobility of the Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) and the importance of understanding one's lineage in the context of virtue and character.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals to strive for personal integrity and piety rather than seeking honor through status or lineage. In contemporary society, it reminds us that true respect is earned through good character and adherence to faith.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophets and Family because it discusses the honor of the Prophets and the significance of noble ancestry in relation to moral character.
Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers.
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
They said, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said "I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good."
Those were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favor from among the prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping.
And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.
This hadith is #4483 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:.