Narrated 'Abdullah bin Masood Radi-Allahu-Anhu :I asked the Prophet Peace be upon him "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?"
He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, 'To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause."
{Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 10, Number 505}
He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, 'To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause."
{Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 10, Number 505}