In the two Ṣaḥīḥ collections it is reported that the Prophet ﷺ was asked, “Which deeds are best?” He answered:

“Faith in Allah and striving in His path.”

He was then asked, “And what comes next?” He replied:

“An accepted pilgrimage.”

Likewise, the two Ṣaḥīḥs relate that a man said to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, “Messenger of Allah, tell me of a deed that equals striving in the path of Allah.” He said:

“You will not be able; you cannot bear it.”

The man insisted, “Then inform me of it.” He said:

“Could you, whenever the combatant sets out, fast without ever breaking your fast and stand in prayer without tiring?”

[The Right of Allah over His Servants]

In the Sunan collections it is narrated from Muʿādh (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ, when he dispatched him to Yemen, advised him, saying:

“O Muʿādh, fear Allah wherever…"