Musnad Ahmad

It is narrated from Hazrat Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that once we were sitting with the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked us: “Which rope of Islam is the strongest?” The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied, “Prayer.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Very good, and after that?” The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied, “Zakat.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Very good, and after that?” The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied, “Fasting in the month of Ramadan.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Very good, and after that?” The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied, “Hajj of the House of Allah.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Very good, and after that?” The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied, “Jihad.” The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), after saying “Very good,” said: “The strongest rope of faith is that you love or hate someone for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.”