Fast for a Lifetime in a Day

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Guarding the borders of Islam for a day is better than fasting for a lifetime.” [Tabaraani. Narrated with a Sahih Isnaad from Abu Dardaa]

Fasting mostly benefits a person himself (and indirectly others benefit through the development of his piety and patience). But he who guards the frontiers of Muslim lands benefits millions of Muslims directly. It is the means by which their lives, their honour, their wealth, and most importantly, their religion, is preserved.

The reason that the Mujahid guarding the frontiers has his reward multiplied so many fold is:

(1) He is of much greater use to Allah’s creatures.

(2) Guarding, at the risk of loss of one’s life, is much harder on the Nafs than fasting is; one has left behind one’s family and wealth with the possibility of never seeing them again in this worldly life.

Thus, the act of he who goes out in the Path of Allah is far superior to the act of he who stays at home and is thus proportionately rewarded.