Lu'lu' wal-Marjan

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that it was asked from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): Which deed is the most virtuous? He replied: To have faith in Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It was asked: Then which one? He said: To strive in the way of Allah. It was asked: Then what? He said: Hajj Mabroor (an accepted pilgrimage).

Sayyiduna Abu Dharr Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): "Which deed is the best?" He replied, "To have faith in Allah and to strive in His path." I asked, "And what kind of slave is best to set free?" He said, "The one who is the most valuable and most beloved in the eyes of his owner." I said, "What if I am unable to do that?" He replied, "Then help a Muslim craftsman or assist someone who is unskilled." He said, "What if I am unable to do even that?" Upon this, he said, "Then keep people safe from your evil, for this too is a charity which you do for yourself."

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I asked the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): Which deed is most beloved to Allah Almighty? He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: Performing prayer at its appointed time. I asked: Then which? He replied: Treating parents with goodness. I asked: Then which? He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: Striving in the path of Allah. Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud said: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informed me of this in detail, and if I had asked further, he (peace and blessings be upon him) would have told me even more (but I remained silent out of respect).