It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man came to the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and asked about the most virtuous deed. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Prayer. He said: Then which one? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Prayer. He said: Then which one? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Prayer. This happened three times. Then, when he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) further questions, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Striving in the way of Allah (Jihad). The man said: My parents are also alive. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: I command you to do good to your parents. He said: By the One Who has sent you with the truth! I will surely, surely perform Jihad and surely, surely leave them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: You know best yourself.

It is narrated from the master of the Messenger, Sayyiduna Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: Keep walking on the path of righteousness, and you will never be able to encompass it. In another narration: Keep walking on the path of righteousness, you will succeed, and know that prayer is your best deed, and none guards ablution except a believer.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hanzalah Katib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever carefully observes the bowing, prostration, and timings of the five prayers, and knows that these are truly from Allah Almighty, will enter Paradise. In one narration it is stated: Paradise will become obligatory for him. And in another narration it is stated: He considers these prayers as the right of Allah Almighty, so he will become forbidden for the Fire.

A companion of the Messenger narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked which deed is the best. He, peace and blessings be upon him, replied: Performing prayer at its appointed time, being good to parents, and striving (jihad) are the best deeds.

Sayyida Umm Farwah (may Allah be pleased with her), who had pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), says that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the most virtuous deed. He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: To perform the prayer at its earliest time.

. (Second chain) A similar narration has been reported.

(Third chain) Sayyida Umm Farwah (may Allah be pleased with her), who was among those who pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), says that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), while mentioning deeds, said: Indeed, the most beloved deed to Allah Almighty is that the prayer be performed promptly at its earliest time.