Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once came to the people while everyone was sitting. He (peace be upon him) said, "Shall I tell you who holds the highest rank in the sight of Allah?" We said, "Why not, O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)! Please do tell us." He (peace be upon him) said, "The highest rank in the sight of Allah is for the person who holds the reins of his horse in the path of Allah and is martyred or dies." He (peace be upon him) then said, "Shall I tell you who holds the next rank after him?" The people said, "Please do tell us." He (peace be upon him) said, "It is the person who, distancing himself from people, lives in a mountain pass, establishes prayer, gives zakat, and remains safe from the evil of people."