Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Who is the most honorable?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who is the most pious." The people said, "We are not asking you about this." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then are you asking about the chiefs of the Arabs? Those among you who were considered the best in the pre-Islamic period will also be considered the best in Islam, provided they gain understanding (of religious teachings)."
Hadith Referenceصحیح ابن حبان / كتاب الرقائق / 648
Hadith Gradingفضيلة الشيخ الإمام محمد ناصر الدين الألبانيصحيح - «فقه السيرة» (56): ق، وتقدم (92).فضيلة الشيخ العلّامة شُعيب الأرناؤوطإسناده صحيح على شرط البخاري، فإن محمد بن سنان- وهو الباهلي- من رجال البخاري، ومن فوقه على شرطهما.