For this reason, He brings the two together in several places in the Quran, as in His words, Most High:

“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then never doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah.”

Prayer is the first of the deeds of Islam and the foundation of the deeds of faith. Hence, He called it faith when He said:

“Allah would never let your faith go to waste.”

That is, your prayers facing Jerusalem. This is the explanation transmitted from the early generations. Allah Most High also says:

“Do you consider providing water to pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque equal to believing in Allah and the Last Day and striving in the cause of Allah? They are not equal in Allah’s sight.”

And He says:

“Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward the believers, mighty against the disbelievers, striving in the cause of Allah and fearing no one’s reproach.”

He thus describes them as possessing love, which is the very essence of prayer. Likewise, He says:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Those with him are stern toward the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure.”

He thus describes them as stern toward disbelievers and misguidance.

It is reported in al-Sahīh that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked, “Which deed is best?” He replied, “Faith in Allah and jihad in His cause.” He was then asked, “What comes next?” He replied, “Then an accepted Hajj.”

Alongside this is his statement in the authentic hadith: When Ibn Masʿūd asked him, “Which deed is best?” he replied, “Prayer at its proper time.” He asked, “Then what?” He replied, “Dutifulness to parents.” He asked, “Then what?” He replied, “Jihad in the cause of Allah.”

His words “faith in Allah” include prayer. He did not mention dutifulness to parents in the first report because not everyone has parents. The first statement is therefore unrestricted, while the second is restricted to those who have parents.