Which Believer is More Virtuous?
One of the most important questions for Muslims is, ‘So, which believer is more virtuous?’ Our Prophet (peace be upon him) has offered us an important example and advice on this subject.
Abdullâh bin Şeddâd -may Allah be pleased with him- Narrates
Three men from the Banu Uzrah tribe came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and embraced Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked who would take responsibility for these new Muslims.
THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE MOST VIRTUOUS BELIEVER
Talha (may Allah be pleased with him) volunteered and took the three new Muslims under his care. Later, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) appointed various expeditions (seriyyas). In one of these expeditions, the first of the early Muslims was martyred. In the second expedition, the second Muslim was martyred. The third passed away.
Talha (may Allah be pleased with him) experienced great astonishment when he saw these three men in paradise in a dream. Those who died first were in the lead, followed by those who were martyred in order. This made him think and he immediately went to consult the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).
After listening to Talha’s dream, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There is nothing to be astonished at! The most virtuous believer is one who spends his life on Islam without ceasing remembrance [dhikr], glorification [tasbih] and declaration of His oneness [tahlil].” (Ahmed, I, 163)
This honorable hadith shows us that virtue is not only found in martyrdom but also in remembering Allah and living a life adhering to Islamic values.