Shaykhul-Islām, Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله said: “It was said to El-Imām Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RaḥimahuLlāh): ‘A person who fasts, offers prayers, and does Itikaaf (seclusion in the Masjid) more beloved to you or the one who speaks against Ahlul-Bid'ah?’ He, El-Imām Ahmad (RaḥimahuLlāh) said: ‘If he stands (in the night), prays and does Itikaaf, then these are all for himself. But when he speaks against the Ahlul-Bid'ah, then this is for (the welfare of) the Muslims and this is better.’ (Ibn Taymiyyah continues): So he (El-Imām Ahmad) has made it clear that this benefits all Muslims in general regarding their Deen, similar in nature to Jihād in the Cause of Allaah.” [Majmoo` al-Fataawa (28/231-232)].