Three hundred and thirteen persons...

Three hundred and thirteen persons, equal to the fighters of Battle of Badr heeded his call and they hardly removed their weapons to fight that Allah, the Mighty and Sublime granted them victory.[^2] Majlisi (r.a.) says in explanation of the Imam’s statement: “Marabata for us is a Marabata forever” that it is Wajib on the Shias to dedicate themselves to the obedience of the Imam and await for the reappearance and prepare to help him.

And the Imam’s statement that he would be rewarded twice that means he will be given the reward of one who spends two times that in its weight in gold or silver. And there is possibility that it is an appropriate simile; that is he will get two times the weight of that horse. Issue no.

It means to bind, tie up and make fast etc. The fuqaha (jurisprudents) have mentioned in the Book of Jihad that staying in a populated center, where there is a risk of the resurgence of infidels and danger to Islam, is Marabata. Marabata is at least for three days or more with a maximum limit of forty days. If it exceeds 40 days, the rewards equals that of the warriors (Mujahideen).

There is also no difference in its permissibility whether the Imam is present or in Ghaibat.[^3] The Messenger of Allah (S) says, “One night spent in Marabata is better than a month of fasting during the days and praying during the nights. If that person dies, that action of his shall continue and so will his sustenance. He shall be safe from the interrogating angels of the grave.” Another tradition on this subject says, “The scroll of deeds of all those who die is rolled up and sealed.

Except for those who perform Marabata in the way of Allah.