Blessings of Khilafat — Page 109
109 righteousness—be he of any nation or tribe—cannot be called noble, for nobility requires him to be pious and God-fearing. Criterion of a Noble Family The criterion of a noble family and the reason why certain families can be called noble has also been expounded in the previously mentioned verse of the Holy Quran and saying of the Holy Prophet sa. Sayyeds, for example, are considered to be the noblest of castes among the Muslims. The reason for that is obvious. They are related to the most righteous of the Muslims—the Holy Prophet sa. Why do Brahmins hold the highest position among the Hindus and why they are considered to be the noblest of families? It was for no reason other than that they taught religion to others and also acted upon it themselves. Thus they became the highest and most respected among the castes on the basis of the same principle of 9 Those doing menial jobs in the world are considered to be of the lowest origin, and this is due their keeping themselves among lowly things which consequently affects their morals and habits as well. It is according to this principle that people have held certain tribes and families to be of high in status or low. For instance, there is a caste of shoemakers. There was a time when this profession held no importance, and most of their dealings were with families similar to 9 Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. ( S u rah al- H ujur a t , 49:14)