"I heard Abu 'Amr Ash-Shaibani say: 'The owner of this house - and he pointed to the house of 'Abdullah - said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): 'Which deed is most beloved to Allah, may He be exalted?' He said: 'Prayer offered on time, honoring one's parents, and Jihad in the cause of Allah.'"
Hadith Text & Context
"I heard Abu 'Amr Ash-Shaibani say: 'The owner of this house - and he pointed to the house of 'Abdullah - said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): 'Which deed is most beloved to Allah, may He be exalted?' He said: 'Prayer offered on time, honoring one's parents, and Jihad in the cause of Allah.'"
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 610 | The Book of the Times (of Prayer) | Sunan an-Nasa'i
Primary Ranking of Deeds
The Prophet (ﷺ) prioritized three fundamental acts of worship when asked about deeds most beloved to Allah. The foremost is performing prayer at its prescribed time, indicating the supreme importance of maintaining the connection with Allah through timely worship.
This ordering reflects the hierarchy of obligations: first comes the right of Allah (prayer), then the rights of creation (parents), then the collective duty of defending the faith (jihad).
Significance of Timely Prayer
Prayer offered at its proper time demonstrates immediate obedience to Allah's command and maintains the spiritual rhythm of the believer's day. Scholars emphasize that delaying prayer without valid excuse constitutes negligence in one's primary duty to the Creator.
The specific mention of "on time" highlights that both the performance and timing of prayer are essential components of its acceptance.
Honoring Parents as Parallel Worship
Placing honoring parents immediately after prayer demonstrates its status as the highest form of social worship. Scholars explain that kindness to parents is akin to worship of Allah, as they are the means through which one enters existence.
This ordering shows that fulfilling human obligations follows directly after fulfilling divine obligations in the scale of beloved deeds.
Jihad in its Comprehensive Meaning
Jihad here encompasses both the spiritual struggle against one's base desires and the physical defense of the Muslim community when necessary. Scholars note that its placement after prayer and honoring parents indicates that foundational personal and family obligations precede collective military duties.
The comprehensive nature of jihad includes striving in Allah's cause through wealth, speech, and action according to one's capacity.
Practical Implementation
This hadith provides believers with a clear roadmap for spiritual excellence: maintain the prayer timetable meticulously, show consistent respect and care for parents, and be prepared to sacrifice for Allah's cause when required.
Scholars advise using this hierarchy as a daily checklist for spiritual development and as a criterion for evaluating one's deeds.