When ʿAbd Allah ibn ʿAmr grew older, it became hard for him to keep up the pattern of fasting one day and eating the next. He remarked, “I wish I had accepted the Prophet’s concession,” and thereafter he would fast fifteen consecutive days and then eat for fifteen consecutive days.

This demonstrates that a person should approach worship with moderation—neither excess nor neglect—so that he can persevere in it, for the deeds most beloved to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are few. Allah alone grants success.

143 — Anas reported: Three men came to the houses of the Prophet’s wives asking about the Prophet’s worship. When they were told, they considered it modest and said, “How are we to compare with the Prophet ﷺ when his past and future sins have already been forgiven?” One of them said, “As for me, I shall pray throughout the night forever.” Another said, “I shall fast every day and never break the fast.” The third said, “I shall keep away from women and never marry.”

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ then came to them and said, “Are you the ones who said such-and-such? By Allah, I am the most God-fearing of you and the most mindful of Him, yet I fast and break the fast, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my sunnah is not of me.” Agreed upon.