Remember this, only the one with virtues will recognize virtues other has. And greater virtues one has, greater he will feel he is in need of the virtues of the other.
An example of this is Abu Bakr (rad). Just as Prophet
asked Abu Bakr (rad) to lead prayer when he was ill. It was understood the person capable after Prophet in leading the Muslims was Abu Bakr (rad). People recognized, accepted Abu Bakr (rad) as leader of Muslims.
Prophet
had Usamah ibn Zaid (rad) lead an expedition which had Umar (rad) in its camp. When Abu Bakr(rad) became a leader, he walked along with Usamah (rad). Abu Bakr (rad) said ” you are the group leader and Umar is in your camp. If you grant permission, I need Umar to assist and give me advice”. (History of Islam Vol 1)
Usamah (rad) was only eighteen years old while Abu Bakr (rad) was sixty years old. But Abu Bakr (rad) is making a request not a command. Why? Because Usamah (rad) is leader of that camp.
Despite being acknowledged as leader, where is the sight of Abu Bakr (rad), it’s on Umar (rad). He is saying to Usamah (rad) “I am in need of him”.
This is proof that only the one with virtues will recognize virtues other has; he will also know how to utilize the virtues the other has for benefit of Islam. That’s why its vital to value the virtues of others.
