Which is better in the sight of Allah: he who is veiled in this world and the Hereafter, and whose sins are effaced, or he who is exposed in this world, without openly committing sins?

The scholars have not discussed this specific issue. However, the texts of the Quran and Sunnah indicate that excellence in the sight of Allah Almighty is based on piety (taqwa). Thus, whoever is more pious to Allah, more steadfast in His law, and further from what He has forbidden, is more excellent in His sight. A servant may be exposed due to some of their sins as a trial and purification for them, and perhaps someone else might be better than them if they are more complete in their piety. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah chose that the more excellent between the patient poor person and the grateful rich person is the one who is more pious. A Muslim should strive to do what pleases Allah and avoid what displeases Him.