A Quranic Journal

In contrast to [the disbelievers], the best of creatures are those who have faith and work righteous deeds. On the basis of this verse, Abu Huraira and some other Companions argued that such righteous people are superior even to the angels. Ahmad ibn Hanbal reported that once the Prophet said to his Companions, "Should I not tell you about the best of the people?" They said, "Yes, oh Messenger of Allah." He said, "One who is always holding the reins of his horse waiting for the call to jihad." Then he said, "Now let me tell you about the best of people. Someone who is in the midst of his sheep and neither misses his prayer nor fails to pay the zakat." Then he asked, "Should I not tell you about the worst of people?" The Companions said, "Yes, oh Messenger of Allah." He said, "One who is asked for something in the name of Allah but he does not give it."