[15].Surah Al-Hjir [The Rocky Tract]: Ayat 51-56

Ayat 51. And tell them about the guests (the angels) of Ibrahim (Abraham).

Ayat 52. When they entered unto him, and said: Salaman (peace)! [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Indeed! We are afraid of you."

Ayat 53. They (the angels) said: "Do not be afraid! We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom."

Ayat 54. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Do you give me glad tidings (of a son) when old age has overtaken me? Of what then is your news?"

Ayat 55. They (the angels) said: "We give you glad tidings in truth. So be not of the despairing ones."

Ayat 56. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?" 

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah  [SAWW]! Who is the most honourable amongst mankind?'' He  [SAWW](PBUH) said, "The most honourable of them is one who is the most pious of them.'' They said, "We are not asking about this". He said, "Then, the most honourable of men was Yusuf (Joseph), the Prophet of Allah, the son of Allah's Prophet, who was the son of the Prophet of Allah, who was the son of the Khalil of Allah (i.e., Ibrahim (PBUH))' They said, "We are not asking you about this.'' He enquired, "Are you then asking me about the classes of the Arabs? The best of them in the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance are the best of them in Islam, provided they comprehend the religious knowledge".

[Muslim Book.30, Chapter 08, Hadith # 5679]. 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Hjir Ayat 54. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Do you give me glad tidings (of a son). We come to know from this Hadith that the families which enjoyed popularity and prestige for their eminent qualities (like generosity, chivalry, honesty, etc.) in the pre-Islamic period were also credited for these values after their acceptance of Islam. But now their respect was qualified with their religious knowledge and practice. Their capabilities, self-respect and other qualities were turned towards a different direction. These qualities which were previously used for paganism were now devoted for Islam.