What are the best, most beneficial, and most deserving of preference and particularization among acts of worship, given the existence of different hadiths regarding their merits?

The best way for a servant to draw near to Allah is by performing the obligatory duties. As for what comes after the obligatory duties, scholars have differed regarding the best acts of worship. Some said it is knowledge, others said it is jihad, and still others said it is prayer. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah was of the view that this varies according to individuals and circumstances, so prayer, knowledge, and jihad are each superior in certain situations over others, depending on the need and benefit. Sheikh al-Islam also pointed out that constant remembrance of Allah is the best thing a servant can occupy himself with.