What is Ribaat?

The Islamic concept of guarding the frontiers of Muslim lands with the intention of defending it against
the enemies is called Ribaat. If we would count the blessings of Allah we would not be able to reckon
them, Ribaat is one of the act to seek Allah's blessings. Allah is ever forgiving and His mercy supersedes
His anger, more than everything else in this world, the believers feel the constant need to please Allah
and seek His mercy to benefit in this life and the life hereafter.

Importance of Ribaat:

Allah {SWT} says in Al-Quran;

(O you who believe, bear patiently, and encourage patience (endure), and do Ribaat (guard the
frontiers of Muslim lands), and fear Allah, so that you may be successful) (Al-Imran: 200)

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad {SAW} also teaches us that indeed Ribaat is a great act which
provides the greatest reward of all after death. There are several sayings of Muhammad {SAW}
presenting glad tidings of Ribaat which are a source of inspiration and motivation for the believers, some
of them are quoted below.
Muhammad {SAW} hath said:

(Every act of a person will stop when he dies except Ribaat (guarding a post/front-line) in the Way of
Allah. This will be developed even after death up to the Day of Resurrection.)

(Ribaat in the Way of Allah for a day is better than anything in life. A journey one takes on a morning or
an evening in the Way of Allah is better than anything in life.)

(A day and a night spent in Ribaat (remaining at the frontiers of Islam with the intention of defending
Islamic territory against the enemies) are better than one month spent in fasting and vigils. If he dies (in
the fulfillment of this task), he will receive the recompense of his deeds and subsistence, and he will be
protected from the Angel of the Grave.)

(A day spent in Ribaat in the way of Allah is better than a thousand days spent elsewhere.)

(Two eyes will not be touched by the fire: the eye that has wept out of fear for Allah, and the eye that
has spent the night on the watch in the way of Allah.)

(Ribaat for a day or night is better than fasting and standing in prayer for a month. If one dies during it,
then his deeds that he used to do will continue (to earn reward) and his provision will also be give
always and he will be safe from the mischief monger (al-fattaan).) Muslim, Tirmidhi, Tabrani

(If anyone engages in Ribaat for a night, guarding the Muslims behind him, then for him is the reward of
those who stayed behind and kept fast and offered Salah.) Tabrani

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