Narrated 'Abdullah: I asked the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next [in goodness]?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next [in goodness]?" He replied, "To participate in Jihaad (struggling) in Allah's cause." Abdullah added, I asked only that much and if I had asked more, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would have told me more." ~ Sahih Bukhari [1.505][8:1]
