The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) quizzed his companions one day, asking:

 

"Which is the most fundamental and basic tenet of faith?"

 

One student answered, "Salat (prayer)"

"No," the Prophet replied.

Another answered, "Zakat (almsgiving)"

"No"

Another  answered, "Fasting."

"No"

Yet another, "Hajj and Umrah (pilgrimage)"

The Prophet said, "No"

And the last student answered, "Jihad (struggle)."

The Prophet remarked, "Not even that."

 

Finally, the Messenger of Allah explained, "All of those tenets mentioned by you are beautiful acts of worship and obedience.  But they do not measure up with what I have in mind.  Remember, the basic and fundamental tenet is to love for the sake of Allah and to hate for the sake of Allah.  All your likes and dislikes must conform with His pleasure."