1793. Narrated Aboo Huraira (radhi Allaahu anhu) : Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said,

“The deeds of anyone of you will not save you [from the (Hell) Fire].” They said, “Even you (will not be saved by your deeds), O Allaah’s Messenger?” He said, “No, even I (will not be saved) unless and until Allaah (Subhanahu wata’alaa) protects me with His Grace and His Mercy. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allaah (Subhanahu wata’alaa) in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your target (Paradise).” (*)

[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Hadeeth No. 470, Vol. 8]

(*)  [H. 1793] The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) compares the Muslim to a traveller who should not exert himself at the beginning of the journey for he would become too tired to reach his destination. So one should adopt a moderate way of regular, constant worshipping of Allaah whereby one should reach his destination (i.e. Paradise)

Source : The Book about Hypocrites : Chapter 17 – The deeds of anyone will not make him enter Paradise except if Allaah (Subhanahu wata’alaa) bestows His Mercy on him.  Al-Lulu Wal-Marjan,Compiled by : Fuwad Abdul-Baqi,Translated by : Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Related Links:

• al-Wasat (Moderation) in the religion – Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen’ (Must Read !!)
• The inheritance of Paradise – Shaykh al-Albaani (rahimahullaah)