those who remain behind by one degree. To each Allah has promised the best reward, but Allah has favored those who strive over those who remain behind with a tremendous reward.”

He Most High also says:

“Do you consider providing water for pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque equal to the deeds of one who believes in Allah and the Last Day and strives in Allah’s cause? They are not equal in Allah’s sight, and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

“Those who believe, emigrate, and strive in Allah’s cause with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank with Allah. It is they who are successful.

“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of mercy from Him, His pleasure, and gardens in which they will enjoy lasting bliss,

“remaining there forever. Indeed, with Allah is a tremendous reward.”

It is established in Sahīh Muslim and elsewhere that al-Nuʿmān ibn Bashīr, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“I was with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, when a man said, ‘After embracing Islam, I would not mind doing nothing other than providing water for pilgrims.’ Another said, ‘After embracing Islam, I care for no deed other than maintaining the Sacred Mosque.’ ʿAlī ibn Abī Tālib said, ‘Jihad in Allah’s cause is better than what you two have mentioned.’ ʿUmar said, ‘Do not raise your voices beside the pulpit of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Once the prayer is over, I will ask him.’ He then asked him, and Allah Most High revealed this verse.”

In the two Sahīhs, ʿAbd Allāh ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best in the sight of Allah, Mighty and Majestic?’ He replied, ‘Prayer at its prescribed time.’ I asked, ‘Then which?’ He replied, ‘Kindness to one’s parents.’ I asked, ‘Then which?’ He replied, ‘Jihad in Allah’s cause.’ He said, ‘The Messenger of Allah told me these things