Blessings of Khilafat — Page 108
108 In the course of this question and answer session, the Holy Prophet sa has thrice answered the question raised by his companions. Should one reflect, it is clear that all three answers are in fact the same. Although, he changed his words a little, the overall conclusion remained the same. In the first instance, he said that the one who is the most pious is the noblest. Secondly, he declared Joseph to be the noblest inasmuch as he was a Prophet and the son of a Prophet and the grandson of yet another Prophet. In other words, because he himself was of a pious nature, the son of a pious person, and the grandson of yet another pious person, he was then the noblest. Answering it in this way also, he connected nobility with righteousness. Lastly, he kept the same point in view when he answered the question the third time. He said that those who were considered to be noble in the pre-Islamic period would also be considered noble after they have become Muslims, provided they develop true understanding of their religion. Becoming conversant with one’s religion is indeed a great virtue. To learn a religion is different from having its true understanding and being conversant with its true philosophy. True understanding requires that a person should come to know about the true spirit and philosophy of the teachings his religion has to offer. By applying this condition, the Holy Prophet sa has again indicated that noble is he who is righteous, God-fearing and possesses a true understanding of the faith. In short, all three answers have illustrated for Muslims the true sense of nobility in a beautiful way so that they do not consider it linked to only one’s family background, and so that they continue making efforts to attain nearness to Allah. These answers have made it absolutely clear that the one who does not practice