(234) Chapter: Obligation of Jihad

Salman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying, "Observing Ribat in the way of Allah for a day and a night is far better than observing Saum (fasting) for a whole month and standing in Salat (prayer) in all its nights. If a person dies (while performing this duty), he will go on receiving his reward for his meritorious deeds perpetually, and he will be saved from Al- Fattan."

[Muslim].

Commentary: Good deeds of a Muslim who dies or is martyred on the frontier will perpetuate and will be credited to his account till the Day of Resurrection; and like all other martyrs, sustenance will be provided to him even after his death. As Allah says: `Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are alive, with their Rubb, and they have provision.'' (3:169)

"Al-Fattan'' here means the interrogation in the grave which the two angels Munkir and Nakir will conduct. Some religious scholars said that observing Ribat serves the purpose of safeguarding religion and Islamic territories, while fastings benefit only the person who performs it. It is a great trial which everyone has to pass through. But one who is a Mu'min (righteous Muslim) goes through it easily by the Grace of Allah, and he will answer all the questions correctly.