It is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was once asked:
O Messenger of Allah, who is the most honored person? The Prophet replied: The most honorable among them in the eyes of God is the one who is the most fearful towards God.
They said: This is not what we were asking you. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Then the most honorable of people is Joseph, a prophet of Allah, the son of a prophet of Allah, the son of a prophet of Allah, the son of the friend of Allah.
They said: This is not what we were asking you. The Prophet said: Then you are asking about the minerals of Arabia. People are like minerals in the case of good and evil - just like minerals of gold and silver. Those who were best among them before the advent of Islam would continue to be the best among them after Islam, if they develop a thorough understanding in God’s religion.