I asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." I did not ask Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.
Hadith on the Best Deeds
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2782 presents a hierarchical ranking of virtuous deeds in Islam, as directly taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in response to a companion's inquiry about the most excellent actions.
Commentary on Prayer's Primacy
The Prophet's initial response establishes prayer at its appointed times as the foremost obligation. This emphasizes the fundamental nature of salah as the pillar of Islam and the direct connection between the servant and Creator.
Early performance demonstrates eagerness to fulfill divine command and protects against neglect or delay, reflecting the hadith's wisdom in prioritizing acts most pleasing to Allah.
Filial Piety's Elevated Status
The second rank given to kindness to parents underscores their immense rights in Islam. This follows immediately after worship duties, showing how interpersonal obligations complement divine ones.
Scholars note that parental obedience is second only to obligatory prayers because parents represent the means of one's existence, mirroring one's relationship with the Creator.
Jihad in its Comprehensive Meaning
The placement of jihad as the third excellence reflects its position in the hierarchy of Islamic virtues. Classical scholars explain jihad encompasses both the greater jihad (struggle against self) and lesser jihad (righteous fighting).
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that this ordering shows jihad, while highly meritorious, follows established obligations. The jihad referenced includes all forms of striving in Allah's path with one's wealth, tongue, and person.
Pedagogical Wisdom
The companion's cessation of questioning demonstrates proper etiquette with the Prophet. Scholars note he recognized the sufficiency of what was given and respected the Prophet's time and energy.
This narration's structure provides a gradual spiritual curriculum - beginning with Allah's rights, then creation's rights, then comprehensive sacrifice for truth - offering believers a clear path to spiritual excellence.