“O Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)! Who is the best among the people?” Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) replied “A believer who strives his utmost in Allah’s Cause with his life and property.” They asked, “Who is next?” He replied, “A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allah and leaving the people secure from his mischief.”

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 56, Hadith 5