After Allah (swt) has mentioned the first type of creatures, He (swt) mentioned those who believed in Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw), and combined belief with good deeds. Those are the best of creation. That is, they are the best of creation by their faith and good deeds, not by money, prestige or authority.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him), narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

(Shall I not inform you of the best of creation? They said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “A man who takes the reins of his horse in the way of Allah, and whenever there is a fearful cry from the enemy, he climbs upon it. Shall I not inform you of the next best of creation?” They said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “A man who has a flock of sheep and he establishes the prayer and gives the obligatory charity. Shall I not inform you of the worst of creation?” They said, “Of course.” He said, “The person who is asked by Allah and he does not give by Him.)[1]

[1] Musnad Imam Ahmad, hadith No. 9131