Who is the person who performs the ribat?

Who is the person who performs the ribat?

The one who performs ribat is called a murabit. Contemporary use of the term ribat is common among jihadi groups such as al-Qaeda or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The term has also been used by Salafi jihadis operating in the Gaza Strip.

When was the first ribat built in the Middle East?

The first ribat was constructed in the 8th century and became an important structure for Muslim volunteers who offered to defend Islam in jihad. The ribat goes by different names in different places in the Middle East. For example, it is also known as Khanqah in Iran and known as tekke in Turkey.

Where does the name ribat come from in Islam?

Initially, the name ribat was a classical name or title used to refer to the guard on duty at the frontier post who was charged with defending the dar al Islam (territory of Islam). Today, the term ribat has a wide application and has been used by various groups including militant groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaida.

What are the architectural features of a ribat?

Most ribats had a similar architectural appearance which consisted of a surrounding wall with an entrance, living rooms, storehouses for provisions, a watch tower used to signal in the case of an invasion, four to eight towers, and a mosque in large ribats.

What did the Ribat of Monastir stand for?

Ribat of Monastir, Tunisia. A ribat (Arabic: رِبَـاط‎; ribāṭ, hospice, hostel, base or retreat) is an Arabic term for a small fortification as built along a frontier during the first years of the Muslim conquest of North Africa to house military volunteers, called the murabitun.

What was the original meaning of the term ribat?

Ribat was originally used as a term to describe a frontier post where travelers (particularly soldiers) could stay. The term transformed over time to become known as a center for Sufi fraternities.