For their loyalty and obeyance of Allah, they are promised rewards that make them stand superior to others. This is the theme of the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being shared today as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 56: Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad) / كتاب الجهاد والسير / Chapter 73: The superiority of guarding (Muslims from infidels) / باب فَضْلِ رِبَاطِ يَوْمٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ / as Hadith 2892, given herein under:
Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa'di:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah's Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning's or an evening's journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah's Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface."
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُنِيرٍ، سَمِعَ أَبَا النَّضْرِ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ السَّاعِدِيِّ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " رِبَاطُ يَوْمٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا، وَمَوْضِعُ سَوْطِ أَحَدِكُمْ مِنَ
الْجَنَّةِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا، وَالرَّوْحَةُ يَرُوحُهَا الْعَبْدُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَوِ الْغَدْوَةُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا ".
Before we explain the Hadith, let us define the word Ribāṭ:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke with great admiration and encouragement regarding the people who engage in Ribāṭ "رِبَاطُ" —a term that refers to guarding the Muslim frontiers or being stationed in defense of the Muslim lands, often in a spiritual as well as military sense.
Meaning of Ribāṭ Today
In the Arabic language, the word "ribat" (رِبَاط) refers to a fortified outpost or a place of defense, often associated with the borders of the Muslim empire. It can also signify a spiritual retreat or a monastery for Sufis, representing a place dedicated to religious devotion and learning.
Today, many scholars interpret it more broadly today, including:
- Ribāṭ is a form of sacrifice, and the Qur’an constantly places such acts above worldly pursuits.
- Spiritual steadfastness and guarding one's faith.
- Remaining firm in Islamic identity in hostile or secular environments.
- Defending Muslim lands or values when under threat.
Key Hadiths About Ribāṭ:
- Continuous Reward
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "Ribāṭ for one day in the cause of Allah is better than the world and whatever is in it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2892; Sahih Muslim, 1880)
- This means that spending even a single day guarding the frontiers or protecting the Muslim community with sincerity for Allah’s sake is more valuable in Allah’s sight than all the material wealth and pleasures of the world.
- Protection from the Fire
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "One who dies while in Ribāṭ in the cause of Allah will be protected from the punishment of the grave, and he will be secure from the great terror (on the Day of Judgment)." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1669 — Hasan)
- This hadith highlights both spiritual and eschatological (afterlife) rewards for those involved in Ribāṭ.
- Ongoing Rewards After Death
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "The actions of a dead person cease except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him — and the one stationed in Ribāṭ. His deeds continue to be recorded like those of someone who is still alive until the Day of Judgment." (Related in Sunan Abu Dawood and others, considered Hasan)
- This is a profound statement showing that the people of Ribāṭ may receive ongoing rewards (thawāb) like someone alive, even after death.
Explaining this hadith in light of the Qur'an
To understand it deeply, we can look at several Qur’anic themes and verses that support the spiritual and moral weight of Ribāṭ:
- Qur'anic Command to Guard and Strive for Allah{
- "O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed (rābiṭū) and fear Allah that you may succeed." (Surah Āl-‘Imrān 3:200)
- The word رَابِطُوا (rābiṭū) used here is from the same root as Ribāṭ.
- It means to remain stationed, firm, and ready—physically and spiritually.
- Allah links this steadfastness and Ribāṭ to success (falāḥ), showing its high rank in Islam.
- Worldly Life Is Nothing Compared to the Hereafter
- "Say: The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah..." (Surah An-Nisā’ 4:77)
- This aligns with the hadith’s message: Even if you possessed the whole world, it wouldn’t compare to the reward of sincere service in Allah’s path.
- Reward of Those Who Strive in the Way of Allah
- "Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for Paradise..." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:111)
- Guarding the frontlines, as in Ribāṭ, is a part of this deal with Allah.
- Allah considers such sacrifices as a transaction for Jannah, making even one day of Ribāṭ more valuable than this world.
- The Temporary Nature of the World
- "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting..." (Surah Al-Hadid 57:20)
- The hadith clearly contrasts the ephemeral world with the eternal reward of a sincere act.
- A single day of Ribāṭ is rewarded with something eternal, while the world is just passing amusement.
The hadith, thus, reminds Muslims that the value system of Islam is not based on wealth, comfort, or worldly status—but on sacrifice, sincerity, and service to Allah.
The Hadith also means that anyone who dies of an account while guarding the Muslim frontiers will also be given the status of a martyr and will continue to reeive the rwardof Ribāṭ till the Day of Judgement. In the warfare of today, when the attacks are not restricted to the frontiers like the drone attacks or missiles and bombs, then all those guarding the arsenal and means of sustenance of those on frontiers will also be given the reward. However, the reward is resiprocal to the intentions for if someone is guarding frontiers for any other reason than pleasing Allah may be deprived of a time wasted for show off only. So let us keep our intentions pure and without any greed.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imamam of the masjid for more calrification.
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