In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas’oud (May Allah be satisfied with him): I asked the Prophet (SAWS): “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 (fighting for Allah’s cause).” Abdullah added: ‘These were told by Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) and if I had asked more, he would have told me more.’ (Bukhari)
SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 179, Page 722, Number 565