mean that supplication is absolutely superior to all other acts of worship. Rather, when each is considered in itself, remembrance as a category is superior to supplication as a category. Reciting the Quran is superior to remembrance, and remembrance is superior to supplication. This applies when each is considered in itself; circumstances may arise that make a less excellent act preferable to one that is intrinsically more excellent.1

This is a noble field of knowledge that every Muslim should recognize and take the utmost care to understand, so that he may discern what is best at every time and in every circumstance, and attain what is most perfect for him in worshiping his Lord and obeying his Master at every time and place. Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyya—may Allah have mercy on him—stated a precise principle for determining the relative merit of acts of worship and how this varies according to their categories and times, differences of place, one’s ability to perform them, and similar considerations. In light of this principle, a Muslim can discern what is best for him in view of the considerations mentioned.

He—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “What is best varies. At times, it varies according to the categories of worship: prayer as a category is superior to recitation; recitation is superior to remembrance; and remembrance is superior to supplication.

“At other times, it varies according to the time. Thus, after Fajr and Asr, recitation, remembrance, and supplication are prescribed rather than prayer.

“At still other times, it varies according to the outward act a person is performing. Thus, remembrance and supplication are prescribed while bowing and prostrating, rather than recitation. Likewise, remembrance and supplication