Importance of Bait Al Muqaddas, Al Aqsa and Jerusalem for the Muslims
What is Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is known as the Holy Land that is located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in Palestine but Israel also controlled some of its areas because they want to make Bait Al Muqaddas and Jerusalem their capital. On 29 November 1947, the General Assembly, in an exercise of its authority accepted Jerusalem the part of Palestine or Arabs under the mandate system of the League of Nations. As a result of 1948 war, this plan was never implemented and Israel controlled many areas of Jerusalem that were located to Arabs and later they also took control on Eastern parts of Jerusalem in which religious sites were located. The Holy City is of central importance to the Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic world. Since 1967, there have been numerous appeals to the international community for the protection of the Holy places; still, the Israelis continue to pursue illegal actions and blasting in Jerusalem, threatening the divinity, integrity and the foundations of many religious sites.
Jerusalem and Islam
Jerusalem is the most sacred city for Muslims that comes on the 3rd number after Mecca and Medina. It has great importance for Muslims because it was the first Qibla towards which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) offer the prayer for many years before migration from Mecca to Medina. After 16 months of Migration towards Medina, it was instructed to Muhammad (SAW) to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca. Allah Almighty said in Quran:
“The foolish among the people will say, “What has turned them away from their Qiblah, which they used to face?” Say, “To Allah belongs the east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a straight path.” And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the Qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful. We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you into a Qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer]. Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture well know that it is the truth of their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do.” (Quran, 2:142-144)
Jerusalem is one of the three Holiest places on earth for Muslims. As our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “There are only three mosques to which you should embark on a journey: The Sacred Mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), this Mosque of mine (Medina, Saudi Arabia), and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).”(Bukhari and Muslim)
Importance of Jerusalem for the Muslims
Jerusalem derives its religious eminence from being the first Qibla, the initial direction toward which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the early Muslim community turned their faces while offering prayer. The direction was changed a year and a half later to Mecca by “Divine Command.” It also derives importance from its association with Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) miraculous nighttime journey to the city and then his rising to Heaven. This event is mentioned in the Quran:“Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the Further Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa), the precincts of which We have blessed, that we might show him some of our signs.” (Quran, 17:1)
Masjid Al Aqsa is located in Jerusalem and is unique in that this is the only place on earth where we believe all the Prophets of Allah, performed Salah in gathering led by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In Bait Al Muqaddas there is a Mosque Al Aqsa, offering one prayer there is equivalent to two hundred and fifty prayers elsewhere. It is the homeland of Prophets that’s why this place is called the Holy Land. Muslims believe that Jerusalem should be the part of Palestine where Muslim Arabs lived so that Muslims can continue their religious activities and also can give respect to other holy places related to Muslims. Jerusalem city will always remain a source and symbol for Muslims.
May Allah help and protects Muslims from all kind of difficulties which they are facing in these days. Allah Almighty gives us the strength to help out Muslim brothers for the safety of this Holy land of Muslims.
