Abu Bakr al-Marrudhi informed us, saying: I said to Abu 'Abd Allah: 'Which of the two is more virtuous: Mu'awiyah or 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz?' He replied: 'Mu'awiyah is more virtuous. We do not compare anyone to the companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.' The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 'The best of people are those of my generation in which I was sent.'
