Attention to obligatory acts is emphasized as essential in the Quran and should be prioritized.
In the Holy Quran, the focus on obligatory acts (Fard) and their performance is emphasized as a fundamental principle. Obligatory acts are those that every Muslim is required to perform, while recommended acts (Sunnah) are additional actions considered virtuous but not obligatory. The Quran encourages Muslims to fulfill their obligations and underscores their significance. One reason for giving more importance to obligatory acts over recommended ones is the emphasis on obedience and servitude to Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah mentions that truthfulness and performing obligatory acts are virtues of the believers. Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 71, Allah states that true believers are those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. These verses illustrate that obligatory acts must be prioritized, and one should initially focus on them. Ultimately, fulfilling obligations guarantees the foundation of the faith and the religion in which an individual lives. For instance, the daily prayers signify a person's connection with God and not only enhance spiritual wellness but also teach adherence to one's duties. Thus, focusing on obligatory acts ultimately aids in the growth and perfection of society and fosters unity and solidarity among Muslims.
Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the East or the West, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of his love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; and establishes prayer and gives zakah; and those who fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who are] patient in hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.
And the believers, men and women, are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those are the ones whom Allah will have mercy upon. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
One day, Ali decided to embark on a spiritual journey. On his way, he encountered a great scholar. The master said to him, "O Ali, always prioritize obligatory acts in your life and pursue recommended acts as virtuous deeds. Obligatory acts are the pillars of your faith and should be performed with care and attention." Ali benefitted from this advice and made an effort to focus more on his obligations. Later on, he realized that by fulfilling his obligations, he found greater peace and blessings in his life.