Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates this saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "People are like mines (that is, like mines of minerals). Those of them who were considered the best in the period of Ignorance will also be considered the best in Islam, provided they acquire understanding (that is, knowledge) (of the teachings of the religion)."
Ahmad recorded it, and its narrators are the narrators of the Sahih.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب العلم / 490
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ صحیح۔
Hadith Takhrij«اورده المؤلف فى كشف الاستار 438/2367 اورده المؤلف فى زوائد المسند 177 ، أخرجه مسند أحمد برقم: 14528»