and distracting thoughts. Similarly, some people find their hearts more focused when reciting, understanding, and reflecting upon the Quran than when praying; indeed, in prayer they experience the opposite. Not everything that is superior is prescribed for everyone; rather, each person is prescribed to do what is best for him. For some, charity is better than fasting, while for others the reverse is true, even though charity is superior as a category of deeds. For some, Hajj is better than jihad—as with women and those unable to undertake jihad—even though jihad is superior as a category of deeds. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Hajj is the jihad of every weak person.”

There are many similar examples. Once these two principles are understood, the answers to these questions become clear.

With this understood, we say: the prescribed remembrances for particular times, such as responding to the caller to prayer, are better than reciting the Quran at those times. Likewise, the words that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, prescribed for the morning, the evening, and going to bed take precedence over other practices.

As for someone who rises during the night, recitation is better for him if he is able to do it; otherwise, he should do what he can. Prayer is superior to both recitation and remembrance. Hence, when Allah abrogated the obligation of standing in prayer at night, He directed them instead to recitation, saying:

“Your Lord knows that you stand in prayer for a little less than two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or a third of it, as do a group of those with you. Allah determines the night and the day. He knows that you will not be able to keep account of it, so He has turned to you in mercy. Therefore, recite as much of the Quran as is easy for you”—and the rest of the verse.

And Allah knows best.