Deed Most Loved by Allah

Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) said: “I asked the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), ‘Which deed is the dearest to Allah?’ He replied: ‘To perform the Salaat (prayers) at their proper times.’” [Sahih Bukhari]

Imam Shamil was the legendary Caucasian leader who led the resistance against Russian invasion for twenty-five years. In the defense of Gimry in 1832, other than the wound inflicted by a bayonet which ripped one of his lungs, he had several bayonet, sword and bullet wounds. His ribs and right collarbone were also broken. After treatment by his father-in-law who was a surgeon, he eventually recovered.

But what was the first thing this young warrior said when he came out of a coma that lasted twenty days? When he opened his eyes, he found his mother at his bedside. His first words were, “Mother! Is the time for Salaat over?”