Formula for Forgiveness of Sins and Earning Lofty Ranks

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم قال ألا أدلكم على ما يمحو الله به الخطايا ويرفع به الدرجات ؟ قالوا بلى يا رسول الله قال إسباغ الوضوء على المكاره وكثرة الخطا إلى المساجد وانتظار الصلاة بعد الصلاة فذلكم الرباط فذلكم الرباط فذلكم الرباط. (الترغيب والترهيب 1/218)

Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Should I not inform you of those actions through which Allah Ta’ala will forgive your sins and grant you lofty ranks in the hereafter?” The Sahaabah (Radhiyallahu Anhum) replied: “Certainly (inform us), O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then said: “Performing a perfect wudhu, despite finding it difficult to do so (e.g. due to cold weather or cold water etc.), taking excessive steps while walking to the Masaajid, and earnestly waiting for the next salaah after the completion of one salaah.” Thereafter Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned the following statement thrice, “These actions resemble the action of those engaged in securing the Islamic frontiers. These actions resemble the action of those engaged in securing the Islamic frontiers. These actions resemble the action of those engaged in securing the Islamic frontiers.” (i.e. holding firm to these three actions will be the means of securing oneself against the nafs and shaytaan, just as the Islamic frontiers are secured against the enemy through the Muslim soldiers.)