It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that once I asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "Which deed is most beloved to Allah?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: "Performing prayer at its appointed time." I asked: "Then which?" He said: "Kindness to parents." I asked: "Then which?" He said: "Striving in the path of Allah." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned these things to me, and if I had asked further, he would have answered me as well.