Jumu'ah Live: "Community Building and Muslim Relationships"

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other).  Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.  And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." Holy Qur'an 49:13 

"A companion of the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) came upon a valley in which there was a spring of sweet water which pleased him greatly. He reflected: I wish I could withdraw from people and settle in this valley; but I shall do it only with the permission of the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him).

He mentioned this to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) who said to him: Do not do this, for one's standing ready in the cause of Allah is better than his Prayers in his home over seventy years. Would you not wish that Allah should forgive you and admit you to Paradise? Then fight in the cause of Allah. Paradise becomes incumbent for those who fight in the cause of Allah even for the briefest space."