How should voluntary deeds be prioritized after the obligations?
2026-09-20
T08 · Ibn Taymiyyah
Ibn Taymiyyah
شيخ الإسلام أحمد بن تيمية
Original Q&A · Selected source passage(s) — fully translated
Selected passages from an original response. The comparison to consensus, the qualification “in general,” and the preference for continual remembrance are Ibn Taymiyyah’s own wording. The English translates every displayed Arabic paragraph; this selection is not the complete surrounding work. Square brackets identify translator-supplied clarification.
النص العربي
الجواب
وأما ما سألت عنه من أفضل الأعمال بعد الفرائض؛ فإنه يختلف باختلاف الناس فيما يقدرون عليه وما يناسب أوقاتهم، فلا يمكن فيه جواب جامع مفصل لكل أحد.
لكن مما هو كالإجماع بين العلماء بالله وأمره: أن ملازمة ذكر الله دائما هو أفضل ما شغل العبد به نفسه في الجملة.
English translation
English translation reviewed against the displayed Arabic by SalafAlSalih editorial preparation (AI-assisted); explanatory additions appear in square brackets or separate notes.
Answer
As for what you asked about the best deeds after the obligatory duties, this varies according to people, what they are able to do, and what suits their times. No comprehensive, detailed answer can therefore be given that applies to everyone.
However, it is something like a consensus among those knowledgeable about Allah and His command that constantly maintaining the remembrance of Allah is, in general, the best occupation with which the servant can occupy himself.
Source and editorial notes
Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā 10/660–662
مجموع الفتاوى
Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā
Arabic passage checked against the cited edition and location. English reviewed against every displayed Arabic paragraph on 14 October 2026.