Prophetic Glad Tidings of Victory: “The Best Place for Ribaat Is Asqalan” (Ashkelon)

Imam Al-Tabarani narrates in his Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabeer from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The beginning of this matter will be Prophethood and mercy, then it will be a Caliphate and mercy, then it will be kingship and mercy, then it will be emirate and mercy, and then people will vie for it like beasts do for carrion. So, hold firmly to jihad. And the best of your jihad is ribaat (frontline vigilance), and the best ribaat of yours is Asqalan.”

Gaza is historically part of Asqalan, as recorded in Islamic literature. It was often referred to as Ghazat Asqalan. (See Ahsan al-Taqasim fi Ma’rifat al-Aqalim Vol.1, p.74 by Al-Maqdisi, and Al-Hayat al-Ilmiyyah fi Ghazza wa Asqalan by Dr. Zuhair Abu Rahma, pp. 2–5)

This hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a divine glad tiding for the mujahideen and murabitun in Gaza and its surroundings—what we know today as Asqalan, located just north of Gaza according to modern borders. The murabit (frontline defender) is the one who protects his faith, land, honor, and sacred places from any arrogant, occupying invader—whether he defends from within his homeland or its borders.

These are the glad tidings of the Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)—a powerful message of steadfastness for those who carry his banner and have pledged allegiance to his cause throughout time and space.

Asqalan: The City of Blessed Ribaat

Asqalan is an ancient town built by the Canaanites and settled by the Philistines. It was conquered by the Arabs in 23 AH at the hands of the noble Companion Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him). The city lies on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 21 km north of Gaza, at the intersection of latitude 31°40′ N and longitude 34°35′ E.

Asqalan held great economic and strategic importance throughout history due to its seaport and strategic location—close to Egypt’s border and directly facing maritime trade and military routes. Historically, it served as a crucial rest stop for trade caravans and military expeditions traversing the Palestinian coastal plain. In modern times, it became a major station on the Qantara–Haifa railway, and a central point along the main coastal highway running from the south to the north of Palestine.

The Meaning of Asqalan

According to Lisan al-Arab, the term Asqalan denotes “the top of the head” and also refers to solid, whitish land. Scholar Mustafa Al-Dabbagh notes that the name is of Canaanite Arabic origin, meaning “the migrant”.

After the fall of Tyre to the Crusaders in 1124 CE, Asqalan became the last remaining Muslim stronghold on the coast, resisting repeated Crusader attacks until its eventual fall in 1153 CE.

It was later liberated by Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi in 1187 CE, only to be re-occupied by the Crusaders under Richard the Lionheart in 1192 CE, following their capture of Acre. However, before retreating from Asqalan, Salahuddin ordered its demolition so it would not be used as a fortress by the Crusaders to sever the route between Egypt and the Levant.

Eventually, the city’s importance declined, and it was completely destroyed in 1270 CE by Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars, transferring regional prominence to Al-Majdal, located about 6 km northeast of Asqalan.

Lessons from the Prophetic Hadith and the History of Asqalan

The Prophet’s words “They will vie for it like beasts do for carrion” are a sign of his prophethood, foretelling the internal political strife and fragmentation that would afflict the Muslim ummah.

His advice, “Hold firmly to jihad”, indicates the only way out of these crises—especially during times when Muslims rise against their leaders due to disunity, sectarianism, and ideological division. This underscores the need to return to the foundations of Islam, beginning with building a sound creed rooted in the authentic Salafi methodology, holding firmly to it, and striving to spread the truth.

Thus, the statement “And the best ribaat of yours is Asqalan” serves as a direct endorsement of ribaat in the lands of Al-Sham (Greater Syria). These lands have always been a target for disbelieving aggressors, further affirming the Prophet’s insight and truthfulness.

Whoever contemplates the historical record of Asqalan sees clearly why it was so strategically critical—it served as the gateway to Palestine, giving those who controlled it access to the north, south, and interior, as well as maritime control along the coast.

The Decline of Asqalan and the Spiritual Lessons Behind It

It is painful to witness that this blessed city, once a fortress of Islam, fell into decay and ruin. Among the reasons for its downfall was the innovation of grave worship and shrine festivals, such as the season of Al-Hussein or the so-called Wadi al-Naml (Valley of the Ants) near the Maqam of Al-Hussein.

During the Fatimid era, a shrine was built at the site, and with time, the focus on shrines and tombs intensified. This marked a clear sign of religious weakness, and the spread of major sins—especially shirk (associating partners with Allah)—which brings about Allah’s wrath and punishment.

The fall of Muslim strongholds into the hands of the disbelievers is a clear indication of the corruption in the beliefs of the Muslims and their estrangement from their Lord’s commands. Honor and victory will only return when Muslims return to their religion with sincerity, and live in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

May Allah make us among those who are firm in faith, defenders of the truth, and steadfast in the path of ribaat, especially in the blessed lands that the Prophet (peace be upon him) praised. Ameen.