I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, 'To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause." `Abdullah added, "I asked only that much and if I had asked more, the Prophet (ﷺ) would have told me more."
Times of the Prayers - Sahih al-Bukhari 527
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding the hierarchy of virtuous deeds in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes a clear order of spiritual priorities that every Muslim should understand and implement.
Primacy of Prayer at its Fixed Times
The Prophet (ﷺ) placed prayer at its appointed times as the most beloved deed to Allah. This emphasizes that the prescribed prayers (Salah) are not merely ritual acts but the foundation of one's relationship with the Creator. Performing them at their earliest times demonstrates eagerness to fulfill one's primary obligation and maintains spiritual discipline.
Scholars explain that praying at the beginning of its time shows vigilance in religious duties and prevents procrastination that might lead to missing the prayer altogether. This timing reflects the Muslim's constant awareness of divine appointments throughout the day.
Dutifulness to Parents
After establishing the rights of Allah, the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately mentions the rights of creation, beginning with parents. This ordering signifies that after fulfilling one's direct obligations to Allah, the next most important duty is towards those who brought one into existence.
Islamic scholars note that kindness to parents (birr al-walidayn) is mentioned alongside prayer in multiple Quranic verses, indicating its elevated status. This duty continues even after their death through prayers for them, honoring their friends, and maintaining family ties.
Jihad in Allah's Cause
The third ranking deed mentioned is Jihad, which scholars interpret in both its military and broader spiritual senses. The greater Jihad is the struggle against one's ego, while the lesser Jihad is defensive fighting to protect Muslim lands.
This ordering teaches that even the noble act of Jihad comes after establishing regular prayer and fulfilling family obligations. A warrior must first be righteous in his personal worship and family relationships before undertaking external struggles.
Wisdom in Limited Questioning
Abdullah ibn Mas'ud's remark that he stopped at three questions, though the Prophet would have continued, contains profound wisdom. This demonstrates the companion's understanding that one should seek knowledge gradually and implement what one learns before seeking more.
Scholars highlight that this approach prevents overwhelming the seeker and ensures proper implementation of acquired knowledge. It also shows respect for the Prophet's time and the importance of focusing on fundamental matters before secondary ones.