It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud that he observed. I asked the Messenger of Allah ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) which deed was the best. He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its appointed hour. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Kindness to the parents. I (again) said: Then what? He replied: Earnest endeavour (Jihad) in the cause of Allah. And I would have not ceased asking more questions but out of regard (for his feelings).

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud reported: I said: Messenger of Allah, which of the deeds (takes one) nearer to Paradise? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its proper time, I said: What next, Messenger of Allah? ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) He replied: Kindness to the parents. I said: What next? He replied: Jihad in the cause of Allah.

It was heard from Abu 'Amr Shaibani that, pointing towards the house of 'Abdullah, he said: The owner of this house told me that he asked the Messenger of Allah ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ): Which of the deeds are liked by Allah? He (the Holy Prophet) observed: Prayer at its proper time. I (again) said: What next? He replied: Then goodness to the parents. I (again) said: What then? He replied: Then Jihad in the cause of Allah. He (''Abdullah) said: This is what I was told (by the Holy Prophet). Had I questioned further, he would have made additions for me.

This hadith has been transmitted by Muhammad bin Bashshar, Muhammad bin Ja'far Shu'bah with this chain of narrators, with the addition that he pointed towards the house of 'Abdullah, but he did not mention his name for us.

It is reported on the authority of 'Abdullah that the Apostle of Allah ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) observed: The best of' the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.