Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37312 — The words of Abu al-Darda

It is narrated from Kathir bin Murrah al-Hadrami that he said: I heard Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) saying: "Shall I not tell you of the best of deeds, which is the most beloved to your Master and the most elevating of your ranks? It is better even than that you fight your enemy and they strike your necks and you strike their necks, and better than giving dirhams and dinars?" The people asked: "O Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him)! What is it?" He (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The remembrance of Allah. And the remembrance of Allah is a very great thing."