I heard Abi `Amr 'Ash-Shaibani saying, "The owner of this house." he pointed to `Abdullah's house, "said, 'I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) 'Which deed is loved most by Allah?" He replied, 'To offer prayers at their early (very first) stated times.' " `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "To be good and dutiful to one's parents," `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "To participate in Jihad for Allah's Cause." `Abdullah added, "The Prophet (ﷺ) narrated to me these three things, and if I had asked more, he would have told me more."
The Excellence of Timely Prayer
The most beloved deed to Allah is performing prayers at their earliest prescribed times. This demonstrates eagerness to fulfill Allah's command and shows the prayer's importance in a Muslim's life. The "first stated times" refer to performing prayers immediately when their time begins, reflecting spiritual vigilance and devotion.
Honoring Parents: A Sacred Duty
After prayer, being dutiful to parents is the most beloved deed. "Birr al-walidayn" encompasses kindness, respect, obedience (in permissible matters), financial support when needed, and speaking gently. This duty continues even after parents' death through prayers for them, maintaining family ties, and honoring their friends.
Jihad in Allah's Cause
Jihad comes third in this hierarchy, indicating its great merit while establishing proper priorities. Jihad includes striving with one's wealth, tongue, and self. The greatest jihad is against one's own desires and against falsehood through speech and action.
Scholarly Insights
This hadith establishes a hierarchy of virtuous deeds, showing that acts of worship have different ranks before Allah. The Prophet's method of answering progressively teaches the importance of gradual learning. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that these three encompass rights of Allah, rights of creation, and comprehensive struggle.
The hadith's conclusion - "if I had asked more, he would have told me more" - indicates the Prophet's infinite knowledge and willingness to teach, encouraging Muslims to seek knowledge and understand Islam's comprehensive nature.