Ibn Mas'ud RA reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "Which action is dearest to Allah?" He (peace be upon him) replied, "Performing As-Salat (the prayer) at its earliest fixed time." I asked, "What is next (in goodness)?" He (peace be upon him) said, "Kindness towards parents." I asked, "What is next (in goodness)?" He (peace be upon him) said, "To participate in Jihad in the Cause of Allah." Bukhari and Muslim)
