Excellence in Islam requires understanding of religion (fiqh)

27-07-2011 10:57 Roohi#1
Narrated Abu Huraira (): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked, “Which people are the most noble?” He replied, “The most noble in the sight of Allah are the most righteous (atqaahum).” They said, “That is not what we are asking about.” He said, “The most noble of people was Joseph (Yusuf) the Prophet of Allah, son of the Prophet of Allah, son of the Intimate Friend of Allah (Abraham).” They said, “That is not what we are asking about.” He said, “Are you asking about those of Arab origin?” “Yes,” they replied. He said, “The best of you in the time of ignorance (before Islam) is the best of you in Islam if you have understanding (fiqh).”

[Al-Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad #129]

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ‏:‏ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ أَيُّ النَّاسِ أَكْرَمُ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أَكْرَمُهُمْ عِنْدَ اللهِ أَتْقَاهُمْ، قَالُوا‏:‏ لَيْسَ عَنْ هَذَا نَسْأَلُكَ، قَالَ‏:‏ فَأَكْرَمُ النَّاسِ يُوسُفُ نَبِيُّ اللهِ ابْنُ نَبِيِّ اللهِ ابْنِ خَلِيلِ اللهِ، قَالُوا‏:‏ لَيْسَ عَنْ هَذَا نَسْأَلُكَ، قَالَ‏:‏ فَعَنْ مَعَادِنِ الْعَرَبِ تَسْأَلُونِي‏؟‏ قَالُوا‏:‏ نَعَمْ، قَالَ‏:‏ فَخِيَارُكُمْ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ خِيَارُكُمْ فِي الإِسْلاَمِ إِذَا فَقِهُوا