It is narrated from Sayyiduna Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) and other noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them) that in the blessed era of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), there were two brothers, one of whom was superior to the other. The superior one passed away first, and the other brother lived for forty more days after him, then he too died. When their mention was brought before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), people spoke of the first one being superior. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:“Did the second brother not perform prayers?”The people said:“Of course he did, but that does not make any difference.”The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:“Do you know how far his prayers have taken him?”Then he said:“The example of prayer is like that of a flowing river whose water is sweet and pure, and it flows at your doorstep, and you bathe in it five times a day. What do you think, would there remain any dirt on his body?”