A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) "What deeds are the best?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "(1) To perform the (daily compulsory) prayers at their (early) stated fixed times, (2) to be good and dutiful to one's own parents, (3) and to participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause."
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari | Hadith 7534
Hadith Text
A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) "What deeds are the best?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "(1) To perform the (daily compulsory) prayers at their (early) stated fixed times, (2) to be good and dutiful to one's own parents, (3) and to participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause."
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes a hierarchy of virtuous deeds, beginning with the fundamental pillar of Islam - the five daily prayers performed at their appointed times. The emphasis on "early stated fixed times" underscores the importance of vigilance in worship and not delaying obligations.
The second excellence is birr al-wālidayn (goodness to parents), which follows immediately after one's duties to Allah. This demonstrates that rights of creation are intimately connected to rights of the Creator.
Jihad in Allah's Cause represents the pinnacle of external struggle for truth. Scholars note this comprehensive response covers one's duties to Allah (prayer), to family (parents), and to the Muslim community (jihad), thus encompassing the complete spectrum of righteous action.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The ordering indicates spiritual priority: establishing prayer strengthens one's connection with Allah, which enables proper fulfillment of human relationships, which in turn prepares one for greater sacrifices in Allah's path.
This hadith does not negate other virtues but highlights these three as foundational. Later scholars derived that excellence in these areas leads to comprehensive righteousness in all other matters.