Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause." The questioner again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To perform Hajj (Pilgrim age to Mecca) 'Mubrur, (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet)."
The Excellence of Belief
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked about the most virtuous deed in Islam. His immediate response was "To believe in Allah and His Apostle," establishing that correct belief (iman) is the foundation of all righteous actions. This encompasses belief in Allah's Oneness, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree.
The Hierarchy of Virtuous Deeds
When the questioner sought to know the next in goodness, the Prophet mentioned jihad in Allah's cause. This indicates the high status of striving for Allah's religion after establishing correct belief.
The third in excellence is Hajj Mubrur - the accepted pilgrimage performed purely for Allah's pleasure without ostentation or sin, following the Prophet's example perfectly.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith establishes a hierarchy of virtuous deeds, beginning with sound belief as the essential foundation. Without correct belief, no deed is accepted by Allah.
Jihad follows belief because it represents the ultimate sacrifice for Allah's cause. Hajj Mubrur completes this hierarchy as it combines physical and financial worship, requiring pure intention and adherence to the Prophet's guidance.
Spiritual Significance
This narration teaches that deeds are valued according to their benefit to the individual and community. Belief benefits the soul, jihad protects the faith, and Hajj perfects one's devotion.
The condition of "Mubrur" for Hajj emphasizes that mere ritual performance without proper intention and adherence to the Sunnah lacks the complete virtue mentioned here.