the sight of Allah

I heard Abi `Amr 'Ash-Shaibani saying, "The owner of this house." he pointed to `Abdullah's house, "said, 'I asked the Prophet ( may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) 'Which deed is loved most by Allah?" He replied, 'To offer prayers at their early (very first) stated times.' " `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet ( may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) said, "To be good and dutiful to one's parents," `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet ( may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) said, "To participate in Jihad for Allah's Cause." `Abdullah added, "The Prophet ( may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) narrated to me these three things, and if I had asked more, he would have told me more."

The Messenger of Allah ( may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) was asked what action was most excellent and replied that it was faith in Allah and His messenger. He was asked what came next and replied that it was jihad in Allah`s path. He was asked what came next and replied that it was a pilgrimage which was accepted.