People are like mines of gold and silver; those who were excellent in Jahiliya (during the days of ignorance) are excellent In Islam, when they have, an understanding, and the souls are troops collected together and those who had a mutual familiarity amongst themselves in the store of prenatal existence would have affinity amongst them, (in this world also) and those who opposed one of them, would be at variance with one another.
Narrated by Abu Huraira narrated directly from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) that he said:
Context
In this hadith, Abu Huraira shares a profound metaphor from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) comparing people to mines of gold and silver. This analogy illustrates that individuals possess inherent value and potential, with those who excel in their character during ignorance likely to excel in Islam as well. Additionally, it speaks to the idea of souls being interconnected, suggesting that familiarity and affinity exist among those who share similar values.
Modern Application
This principle encourages individuals to recognize the intrinsic worth of themselves and others, fostering a sense of community and connection. In everyday life, it can inspire people to seek out and nurture relationships with those who share their values and aspirations.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Creation because it emphasizes the inherent value of individuals and their potential for goodness, reflecting the divine wisdom in their creation.
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.
And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.
And those who believed after [the initial emigration] and emigrated and fought with you - they are of you. But those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of all things.
Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised.
This hadith is #6545 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Huraira narrated directly from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) that he said:.
