Which deed is dearest to Allah? He said: "Offering prayer at its earliest appointed time." I said: Then, what comes next? He said: "Dutifulness to one's parents." I said: Then, what comes next? He said: "Jihad in the way of Allah

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked: Which deed is dearest to Allah? He said: Offering the obligatory prayer at its appointed time prescribed by the Legislator. Then, being dutiful to one's parents by being kind to them, fulfilling their rights, and refraining from being undutiful to them. Then, making Jihad in the cause of Allah with one's life and wealth to make Allah's word supreme, defend the religion of Islam and its people, and spread its rituals. Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: He informed me of these deeds, and if I had said to him: Then, what comes next? he would have informed me of more.

1. Deeds vary in their merit according to how dear they are to Allah.
2. Urging Muslims to be keen on performing deeds according to their degree of superiority.
3. The Prophet's replies concerning the best of deeds vary according to the various questioners, their conditions, and what is more beneficial to each of them.

صحيح البخاري (1/ 112) (527). صحيح مسلم (1/ 90) (85). الإلمام بشرح عمدة الأحكام، لإسماعيل الأنصاري (1/ 70). تيسير العلام شرح عمدة الأحكام، للبسام (ص84). تنبيه الأفهام شرح عمدة الأحكام، لابن عثيمين (1/ 108).