Why does prayer not include the virtues of remembrance (dhikr) like those mentioned concerning the recitation of Surat Al-Ikhlas, praying upon the Prophet, and amplified glorification (tasbih), despite it being the best of deeds, and does this indicate that remembrance (dhikr) is better than prayer?

There is no contradiction between the virtue of remembrance (dhikr) and the fact that prayer (salat) is the best deed; for prayer includes remembrance, and its virtue is enhanced by elements not available in remembrance alone. What the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, informed us about the superiority of prayer over all other deeds is not to be contradicted by other statements.