The reciter: Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah narrated to us, Ali ibn Masihr narrated to us, from al-Shaybani, from al-Walid ibn al-Ayzar, from Sa'd ibn Iyas Abu 'Amr al-Shaybani, from 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, who said:
I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) which deed was the best. He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its appointed hour. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Kindness to the parents. I (again) said: Then what? He replied: Earnest endeavour (Jihad) in the cause of Allah. And I would have not ceased asking more questions but out of regard (for his feelings).
سألت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أي العمل أفضل؟ قال: الصلاة لوقتها قال : قلت ثم أي؟ قال: بر الوالدين قال: قلت: ثم أي؟ قال: الجهاد في سبيل الله فما تركت أستزيده إلا إرعاء عليه .
