Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 708 [Read full issue]
Excellent Practice
The most excellent of those who perform any practice are people who do it with the greatest remembrance of God. The most excellent of those who make the pilgrimage are people who remember God most [in their pilgrimage]. And the same holds true for all other practices.
Ibn Abil-Dunya mentioned in a hadith reliably transmitted from the first generation that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked which of the people who frequented the mosque were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' When asked which of the people who attended a funeral were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' When asked which warriors were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' When asked which pilgrims were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' And when asked which of those who visited the sick were best, he said, 'Those who remember God most.' At which Abu Bakr said, 'Those who remember have taken all the good!'
Compiled From:
"The Invocation of God" - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, p. 97