Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), "Which deed is the best?" He replied, "The prayer that is performed at its appointed time."

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) said regarding this verse of the Holy Qur'an { الَّذِینَ ہُمْ عَلَی صَلاَتِہِمْ دَائِمُونَ } that it means to offer the prayer at its prescribed time.

Muhammad says that I have been informed that Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar used to teach people to worship Allah and not to associate anyone with Him, to establish the prayers that Allah has made obligatory at their appointed times. For indeed, neglecting them leads to destruction.

Hazrat Masrooq says that safeguarding the prayer means to perform it at its appointed time.

Hazrat Amarah says that Hazrat Aswad was indeed a monk. When the time for prayer came, he would immediately rush towards it, even if he was sitting on a stone!

Hazrat Ja'far bin Burqan says that Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz wrote us a letter in which it was written: "Amma ba'd! The perfection of religion and the strength of Islam is in having faith in Allah Almighty, establishing prayer, and giving zakat. Therefore, perform the prayers at their prescribed times and adhere to them strictly."

Hazrat Qatadah says that Hasan liked very much that even during travel, prayers should be performed at their prescribed times.

Hazrat Umar bin Musa says that I asked Hazrat Abu Ja'far, "Which prayer is the most virtuous?" He replied, "The one that is performed at its earliest time."

Hazrat Saad says that wasting time is a very big mistake.

Hazrat Umm Farwah asked the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "Which deed or which prayer is the best?" He replied, "To perform the prayer at its earliest time."