Reflection, imitation and experience perhaps you may wise up or is clear constancy and consistency too difficult – otherwise you may realise Islam doesn’t need you – it is you that needs Islam. (Confucius thought well)
Those that are steadfast and perfect the character are still trying to tell people to learn the deen before its too late as it is for some if not most of those that have already reached their destination.
The more a person remembers Allah SWT than it is much better than any other action.
The heart of the Qur’an and Sunnah: what is the single most beloved, most elevated action in the sight of Allah — in quality.
While there is no one verse that lists a “ranked order” of deeds, the Qur’an and authentic Hadith together paint a very clear hierarchy of actions that Allah and His Messenger ﷺ have described as the best, most beloved, or most complete in virtue.
Below is a chronological and thematic sequence, drawn from Qur’an and Hadith, reflecting how a believer’s deeds ascend from inner faith to outer excellence.
🌙 1. Pure Faith (Iman) and Sincerity (Ikhlāṣ)
Qur’an:
“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.”
— (Qur’an 98:5)
Hadith:
“Actions are only by intentions.” — (Bukhari & Muslim)
💠 Meaning: The best action begins with sincerity — even if it’s small, it can outweigh great deeds done without ikhlāṣ.
🕊 Essence: Every act — prayer, kindness, charity — is elevated only by the purity of intention for Allah’s sake.
🕌 2. Establishing Prayer (Ṣalāh) with Presence
Qur’an:
“Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing.” — (29:45)
“Successful indeed are the believers, those who are humble in their prayers.” — (23:1-2)
Hadith:
“The most beloved deed to Allah is prayer at its proper time.” — (Bukhari, Muslim)
💠 Meaning: Not just performing ṣalāh, but praying with khushū‘ (deep awareness and humility) is among the highest deeds.
💕 3. Excellence to Parents (Birr al-Wālidayn)
Qur’an:
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and to parents, good treatment.” — (17:23)
Hadith:
“Shall I not tell you the best of deeds, the most beloved to Allah?” They said, “Yes.” He said, “Prayer on time, then kindness to parents, then Jihad in the path of Allah.” — (Bukhari)
💠 Essence: Serving one’s parents with gentleness, patience, and love — especially in their old age — is one of the greatest acts after faith and prayer.
🤝 4. Kindness to Spouse and Family
Hadith:
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” — (Tirmidhi)
Qur’an:
“And live with them in kindness.” — (4:19)
💠 Meaning: True piety is reflected in how one treats their family behind closed doors — this is where sincerity is most tested.
💰 5. Charity and Secret Giving (Ṣadaqah)
Qur’an:
“If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you.” — (2:271)
Hadith:
“The best charity is that which is given in secret.” — (Tabarani)
💠 Essence: Giving quietly for Allah’s sake — even if little — purifies the heart and is loved by Allah.
🌅 6. Remembering Allah Constantly (Dhikr)
Qur’an:
“Remember Me; I will remember you.” — (2:152)
Hadith:
“Shall I not tell you of the best of your deeds… better than giving gold and silver, and better than meeting your enemy and striking their necks?”
They said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.”
He said, “Remembrance of Allah.” — (Tirmidhi)
💠 Essence: Dhikr done with a present heart — whether “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” “La ilaha illa Allah” — uplifts the soul more than any outward act.
⚔️ 7. Striving in Allah’s Cause (Jihād an-Nafs & Jihād Fī Sabīlillah)
Qur’an:
“And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him.” — (22:78)
Hadith:
“The best jihad is to speak a word of truth before a tyrant ruler.” — (Abu Dawud)
💠 Essence: True jihad starts with self-struggle — mastering one’s ego, desires, and anger — and extends to standing for justice.
🌿 8. Good Character (Husn al-Khalq)
Hadith:
“Nothing is heavier on the scale of a believer on the Day of Judgment than good character.” — (Tirmidhi)
“The most beloved of you to me and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection are those with the best character.” — (Tirmidhi)
💠 Essence: Kindness, humility, patience, honesty — these complete one’s faith and are more beloved than ritual without mercy.
☮️ 9. Spreading Peace and Mercy
Hadith:
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something which, if you do, you will love one another? Spread peace (Salām) among you.” — (Muslim)
💠 Essence: A smile, a greeting, forgiveness — all are keys to divine love.
🌌 10. Hidden Acts of Worship and Forgiveness
Hadith (Qudsi):
“My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him.” — (Bukhari)
Hadith:
“Whoever forgives, Allah raises him in honor.” — (Muslim)
💠 Essence: Forgiving others for Allah’s sake, unseen good deeds, and acts of humility may outweigh public ones.
🌺 Summary: The Essence of the Best Deed
If we were to distill it into one line from Qur’an and Sunnah:
“The best of deeds are those done sincerely for Allah, in secret, with excellence and mercy toward creation.”
or as the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved people to Allah are those who bring the most benefit to others.” — (Tabārānī)
JazakAllah Khair