Allaah's Favor:
It is a part of man's nature to elevate some human beings over others. He likes to hold them in high esteem and prefers to follow them rather than make decisions on his own. This is a direct result of the fact that Allaah has favored some people over others, in various ways. Man has been placed over woman socially:
"Men are guardians of women by that which Allaah favored some of them over others"97
"And men are one level over women."98
And some men have been placed over other men economically:
"Allaah has favored some of you over others with sustenance."99
The tribe of Israel was favored over the rest of mankind by divine guidance:
"Remember, Oh Israel, the blessing which I bestowed on you by favoring you over all mankind."100
The prophets were favored over all mankind by revelation and Allaah favored some of the prophets over others:
"Those are the prophets of whom We favored some over others."101
Yet Allaah has told us not to desire the things by which He has favored some of mankind over others
"Do not wish for that with which We have favored some of you over others."102
because these favors are tests which carry with them great responsibilities. They are not a result of man's strivings, and, as such, should not be a source of pride. Allaah will not give us a reward for having them, although we will be held to account for how we used them. Thus, Allaah's Messenger advised us, "Look at those below you and not those above you. It is better for you, so that you do not deny Allaah's blessings on you."103
Everyone has been placed above others in some way or another, and everyone has certain responsibilities for which he will be held accountable. The Prophet 
said, "Everyone of you is a shepherd, and everyone is responsible for his flock."104 These responsibilities are the basic components of the tests of this life. If we are thankful to Allaah for His favors and apply them justly, we succeed; otherwise, we fail. But, perhaps the greatest test of responsibility is that of Allaah's favoring man over all creation. This favor was confirmed by Allaah's command to the angels to prostrate to Aadam and the responsibility is twofold:
a. It carries a personal responsibility of accepting Islaam: total submission to Allaah.
b. It also carries a group commitment of establishing Allaah's law throughout the earth.
Thus, believers are far superior to disbelievers in Allaah's sight because of their acceptance of their responsibilities. Allaah said:
"You (believers) are the best of nations brought forth for the benefit of mankind (because) you command the good, prohibit evil and believe in Allaah."105