What is the best good deed after the obligatory ones?

Scholars have differed concerning the best deeds after the obligatory acts. Some say it is jihad, others say it is knowledge, and yet others say it is prayer.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah elaborated on this, holding the view that the best deeds vary according to circumstances and individuals. He considered the three deeds (prayer, knowledge, and jihad) to be the best deeds by the consensus of the Ummah, and each of them is indispensable to the others.

He explained that the best deeds vary according to people's capabilities and times, so there is no single, comprehensive answer for everyone.

He stated that continuous remembrance of Allah is, in general, the best thing a servant can occupy themselves with.

He pointed out that there is no significant disagreement among scholars regarding the best deeds, and whoever is confused about their matter should perform Istikhara (prayer for guidance) and supplication.