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THE VIRTUES OF THOSE WHO PERFORM NAMÂZ

Abdullah ibn Mes’ud ‘‘radiy-Allâhu anh” says: “I asked Rasûlullah “sall-Allâhu ’alaihi wa sallam” what is the deed that Allahu ta’âlâ loves the most. He said: “It is the ritual prayer performed within its due time.” In some other hadîth-i-sherîfs, it was declared: “He loves much the ritual prayer performed at the beginning of its due time.” I said “After that, which one does He love much?” He said: “To do favors to one’s parents.” I said “After this, which one does He love much?” He said: “To make jihad on the path of Allah.” This hadîth-i-sherîf is written in the two Sahîh books [(Bukhârî) and (Muslim)]. In another hadîth-i sherîf, it is stated: “The best of the deeds is to give food to someone.” In another hadîth-i sherîf, it is stated: “It is to propagate greeting with selams.” In another hadîth-i sherîf, it is stated: “It is to perform namâz in the night while everyone is asleep.” In another hadîth-i sherîf, it is stated: “The most valuable deed is that no one is hurt by your hand and/or tongue.” In a hadîth-i sherîf, it is stated: “The most valuable deed is jihad.” In a hadîth-i sherîf, it is stated: “The most valuable deed is hajj-i mebrûr,” that is; an hajj one performs without committing any sins. There are also hadîth-i sherîfs, “It is to remember Allahu ta’âlâ” and “It is the continuously performed pious deed.” Various replies were given in accordance with the conditions of those who asked. Or, the reply suitable for the time was given. For example, in the beginning of Islam, the most superior and valuable of the deeds was jihad. [In our time, the most superior of the deeds is to reply to propaganda of disbelievers and lâ-madhhabî people by spreading the credo of Ahl-i sunnat. Those who financially or with their properties help in this manner, to those who make jihad, they too have a share in the thawâb they earn. Âyat-i karîmas, hadîth-i sherîfs show that namâz is more important than zakât and charity. However, to give something to a dying person and to save him in this way is more valuable than performing namâz. Thus, in different conditions and circumstances, different things become more valuable.]