This Hadith explains the immense virtue of being a Murabit—one who stands guard in defense of Islam, its people, and its sacred places. Such a person is promised rewards beyond imagination and protection even in the grave. The spirit of Ribat is not limited to the battlefield; it includes guarding the sanctuaries of Islam, such as Al-Aqsa Mosque, against those who seek to violate it.
At first glance, Nafisa Khwais appears to be a simple grandmother dressed in her traditional thobe. She looks as though she may need help crossing the road. But do not be fooled by her appearance—her heart is that of a lioness, filled with courage and strength! She is a soldier, a Murabita—standing guard at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds.
She is like so many Palestinian women who stand face to face with armed Israeli soldiers, shouting in their faces and defying their authority. They fear Allah (swt), not cowards in uniforms shrouded with weapons and fueled by hate.
When asked where she gets her courage, Nafisa replies: “It comes from my love for Al-Aqsa. It’s a love that is much bigger and stronger than my body.” This love drives her to stand fearlessly before Israeli police, declaring: “For me, they are nothing but small children. Their strength comes from the gun, but my strength comes from Allah Almighty.”
Nafisa is a member of the Murabitat, a group of Palestinian women who have taken it upon themselves to protect Al-Aqsa from right-wing Israeli incursions. Despite being banned and facing recurring restraining orders, these women position themselves outside the gates of Haram al-Sharif, chanting slogans and confronting Israeli forces and Jewish ultra-nationalists who want to deny Muslims their right to worship.
“Al-Aqsa is in danger,” she says. “I will sacrifice my life to ensure it is protected.” She is one of hundreds of women who come to Al-Aqsa daily to pray, sit, read Qur’an, bring their food and water for their lengthy stays on the grounds, make a statement, and defend it as their own.
This has been her routine for years, but now, despite being banned from entering Al-Aqsa for more than a decade and having been arrested more than 40 times, she remains undeterred. Her body bears the scars of her devotion—she has been pepper-sprayed, beaten, and even had her hand broken by Israeli police. Yet, she stands resolute, stationed at one of Al-Aqsa’s gates, reciting Qur’an, shouting at soldiers, and praying.
“When Israel banned me from entering Al-Aqsa, I felt sick,” she said. “But I will never be afraid of them. I will gladly sacrifice my body for even a single piece of soil at Al-Aqsa.”
Nafisa grew up with a view of the Dome of the Rock from her home, and the call to prayer was woven into her upbringing. Her courage and unwavering faith embody the spirit of the Murabitat. Through their sacrifices, these women ensure that Al-Aqsa remains a place of worship and peace, just as Allah (swt) has decreed.
“Al-Aqsa is paradise on earth,” says Nafisa. “We all love peace, and we all love life. But we will never allow them to take Al-Aqsa.”
In the face of adversity, Nafisa Khwais is a true Murabita. Her voice and presence testify to the enduring spirit of those defending Al-Aqsa. Spiritually and physically connected to the sacred sanctuary, even if she is barred from entering, her heart transcends barriers and remains there every day.
Samidoon! Samidoon! Bi’r ruh, bi’d dam, nafdeek ya Aqsa!
(We are steadfast! With our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice for you, O Al-Aqsa!)
