This saying, attributed to Prophet Jesus, powerfully redefines worship by showing it is not limited to rituals, but also includes fulfilling worldly responsibilities. By emphasizing the brother's support, Jesus presents worship as a holistic commitment to both devotion and responsibility.

1. Worship Beyond Rituals

The Man’s Perspective: The man in the story embodies a common misconception that worship is limited to ritualistic acts such as prayer, fasting or retreating from worldly responsibilities. While such acts are vital aspects of devotion, they do not constitute the entirety of worship.

Jesus’s Perspective: The Prophet Jesus (AS) broadens the definition of worship to encompass serving others and taking responsibility. He points out that the man’s brother, who works to support him, is demonstrating a form of worship that is equally valuable, if not more so, than ritualistic devotion.

Balanced Worship: This Hadith teaches that true worship encompasses not only rituals, but also fulfilling one’s obligations to family, society, and oneself. Supporting others through lawful work and service reflects the values of compassion, responsibility, and selflessness, and is a form of worship. For example, caring for parents, volunteering in community services, or helping a neighbor in need are all specific acts that align with this broader interpretation of worship. These actions demonstrate devotion through the lens of responsibility and service, making worship a tangible and actionable practice.

2. The Role of Responsibility in Worship

The brother's act of providing for the man is an essential form of worship, as it demonstrates care for others and responsibility.

Worship Through Service: By working and supporting the man, the brother is facilitating his worship indirectly. This shows that acts of service and responsibility — whether through providing financial support, helping others or contributing to society — are themselves acts of devotion to God.

A Practical Approach to Worship:

The Prophet Jesus (AS) teaches that worship is not about isolating oneself from the world, but engaging with it responsibly. It is by fulfilling worldly duties with sincerity that one achieves spiritual elevation. Reflect on your own life: What are some duties you can fulfill with sincerity as worship? This question invites you to engage in deeper reflection and understanding of the balance between spiritual and worldly responsibilities.

3. Holistic View of Worship

The Hadith promotes a balanced view: worship combines ritual acts and practical responsibilities, showing spirituality involves both fulfilling duties and devotion.

Selflessness as Worship: 

The brother’s actions reflect selflessness, a key virtue in worship. By prioritising his sibling's needs over his own, he demonstrates a form of spiritual sacrifice that aligns with the essence of worship: putting others before oneself and striving to please God through service.

4. Lessons from Prophet Jesus’s (AS) Statement

The Value of Work: Prophet Jesus (AS) implicitly emphasises the dignity and value of lawful work. Supporting oneself and others through honest labour is a societal necessity and a spiritual act that reflects gratitude to God and care for creation.

Avoiding dependency: The Hadith subtly warns against becoming overly dependent on others. While communal support is important, it is also important to contribute and not burden others unnecessarily. Worship should involve responsibility and effort, rather than just relying on others.

Service as Superior Worship: Jesus (AS) prioritises the brother’s act of service over the man’s ritualistic worship, teaching us that serving others and fulfilling responsibilities are integral to worship, not secondary to prayer and devotion.

Conclusion:

This Hadith from the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) offers a timeless lesson on the nature of worship and devotion. It teaches that true worship is not confined to ritualistic acts, but also involves fulfilling one's responsibilities, supporting oneself and others, and serving society with sincerity and selflessness.

By acknowledging the brother as the 'better worshipper', Jesus (AS) redefines the concept of worship to include practical actions that benefit others. This reminder encourages us to balance our spiritual practices with our worldly responsibilities, integrating compassion, work and service into our lives as acts of devotion to God. Ultimately, the hadith inspires us to view worship more holistically, recognising that both prayer and action are pathways to spiritual greatness.