Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "What do you think about such-and-such laborer?" I said: He is poor, just like ordinary people. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "What do you think about such-and-such man?" I said: He is a high-ranking chief. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A laborer of this kind is better than a land full or thousands of chiefs of that kind." I said: O Messenger of Allah! That man is also (a chief of that kind), and you show him great hospitality? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "He is the chief of his people, and I treat him kindly to win his heart."