Ascalon, for when the millstone (of calamity) rotates within my Ummah, its people will be in comfort (34) and safety (35).

Section: The madhhab of Abu 'Abd Allah (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) is the disapproval of relocating women and children to dangerous frontier zones (thughur). This is also the view of al-Hasan and al-Awza'i, based on what Yazid ibn 'Abd Allah narrated, saying: Umar said, "Do not settle the Muslims on the seashore." Recorded by al-Athram with his chain of narration (36). This is because in dangerous frontier zones, the enemy's victory over them, and those within them, and their seizure of the women and children cannot be ruled out. It was said to Abu 'Abd Allah: "Do you fear sin for the one who relocates with his family to a frontier?" He replied: "How could I not fear sin, when he exposes his offspring to the polytheists?" He also said: "I used to encourage relocating with one's family and dependents to al-Sham before today, but I now forbid it, because the affair has drawn near." He further stated: "These people must face a day [of trial]." It was said: "Is that at the end of time?" He replied: "This is the end of time." It was said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to cast lots among his wives, and whomever the lot fell upon, he would take her with him (37)." He replied: "This is for one person (38), not for offspring." This statement of Ahmad is interpreted to mean that for those who are not residents of the frontier, it is not recommended for them to relocate with their families to a dangerous frontier. As for the residents of the frontier, they must live with their families, for were it not (39) for that, the frontiers would become desolate and fall into neglect. He specified dangerous frontiers, evidenced by the fact that he chose to reside in Damascus and similar places, despite it being a frontier, because generally it and its people are safe.

Section: It is recommended for the people of the frontier to gather in the Great Mosque for all their prayers, so that it may be more conducive to their unity. Thus, when the call for mobilization (nafir) comes, it finds them gathered, the news reaches all of them, and if news arrives that they need to hear, or an order is intended to be conveyed to them, they learn of it, and the eyes (40) of