This one is better than an earthful of the other

Explanation

Meaning: Two men passed by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). One of them was from the noblest of the people, who had influence among them. He would be accepted if he proposed in marriage, and would be listened to if he spoke. The other man was the opposite; from the weak Muslims who had no status among the people. If he proposed in marriage, he would not be accepted; if he interceded, his intercession would be rejected; and if he spoke, he would not be listened to. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: “This one (the second) is better than an earthful of the other (the first).” He means that he is better in the sight of Allah, the Almighty, than an earthful of the other man who had a noble status and influence among his people because Allah, the Exalted, does not look at a person’s status, influence, lineage, wealth, appearance, clothes, mounts (the vehicle they ride), or his houses. Allah looks at their hearts and their deeds. Another Hadīth reads: “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.” If the heart is of a person sound with respect to what is between himself and Allah, the Almighty, turns to Him, becomes mindful of Him, is diligent to the rights of Allah, shows humility to Him, strives to do what pleases Him, then this indeed is the person who is noble in the sight of Allah. He is the one who holds a high status with Allah. He is the one who, if he were to take an oath in the name of Allah, Allah would fulfill his oath.

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