Musnad Ahmad Hadith 9568

It is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that someone asked the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), "Who is the most honorable person among the people?" The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "The one who is the most pious." The companions said, "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we are not asking you this." The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Then Yusuf (peace be upon him) is the most honorable, who is a prophet, son of a prophet, son of a prophet, son of the Friend of Allah." The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we are not asking you this either." The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Then you are asking about the lineages of the Arabs? Among them, those who were the best in the time of ignorance are the best in Islam as well, provided they gain understanding of the religion."