Jerusalem - Overview and Significance in Islam
Arabic Terminology and Etymology
Jerusalem in Arabic is commonly known as al-Baytu al-Muqaddas (البيت المقدس) meaning “the Holy House.” Another term used is Baytu al-Maqdīs (بيت المقدس), which translates to “the House of the Sanctuary”. In historical Islamic texts, Jerusalem is also referred to as Aurashalīm (اورشليم) or Iliyā (ايلياء), the latter name stemming from the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s designation of the city as Aelia Capitolina.
Qur’anic References
Though Jerusalem is never mentioned explicitly by name in the Qur’an, it is alluded to in various passages:
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Surah al-Baqarah (2:55): After providing manna and quails to the Israelites, God tells them to “Enter the city and eat therefrom as plentifully as ye wish.” Some commentators, including al-Bayḍāwī, identify this city as Jerusalem or Jericho.
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Surah al-Baqarah (2:261): This verse describes a man who passed by a desolate city and wondered how God would revive it after its destruction. Commentators suggest the city referenced is Jerusalem, visited by Elias or al-Khidir after its devastation by Nebuchadnezzar.
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Surah al-Rum (30:1-2): The opening verse references the Persian conquest of Syria, in which Jerusalem was taken.
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Surah al-Isra (17:1): This verse recounts the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to “the farthest mosque,” understood to be Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem: “Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, whose precincts We blessed.”
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Surah Qaf (50:40): Refers to “the crier calling from a near place” as a sign of the Last Day. Commentaries, such as that by Husain, identify this place as the Temple in Jerusalem.
Historical and Theological Context
Jerusalem holds immense significance for Muslims for several reasons:
- It is associated with the repentance of the Prophet David and the wisdom of Solomon.
- It is the location where Jesus (Isa) was believed to have spoken in his cradle, been born, ascended to heaven, and will return.
- Prophets such as David and Solomon offered sacrifices there.
- It holds the Masjid al-Aqsa, believed to be one of the initial Qiblas (direction of prayer) for Muslims.
Prophetic Connection and Events
The city’s significance is enriched by various historical events and figures in Islamic tradition:
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Solomon’s Temple: As narrated by Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti in the 15th century, describing how God showed Solomon the plan for the Temple.
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Night Journey and Ascension (Mi’raj): Jerusalem is the site from which Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Isra and Mi’raj.
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Jerusalem under Muslim Rule: The city fell under Muslim control in 638 CE when Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab accepted the city’s surrender. His entry saw the building of a mosque, now known variably as the Dome of the Rock and the Mosque of Umar.
A Treaty of Co-Existence
A significant treaty was established by Umar with the Christians of Jerusalem, ensuring religious freedom under terms that maintained Islamic superiority:
- Christians were promised the security of their places of worship, yet they agreed not to build new ones.
- Certain dress codes, conduct in public places, and limitations on bearing arms were imposed on the Christians.
Key Historical Dates
- 637 CE: Jerusalem surrendered to Caliph Umar.
- 1099 CE: Taken by the Crusaders.
- 1187 CE: Recaptured by Salahuddin (Saladin).
- 1517 CE: Ottomans incorporated the city into their empire.
- 1917 CE: Transferred to British control after World War I.
- 1967 CE: Captured by Israel during the Six-Day War, though it remains a focal point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Recommended Readings
- “The History of Jerusalem” by Karen Armstrong - Provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s religious and political history.
- “Jerusalem: The Biography” by Simon Sebag Montefiore - A detailed chronicle from ancient times to the present.
- “Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians: A History of Tolerance and Tensions” by Maher Y. Abu-Munshar - Examines the co-existence and conflicts in Jerusalem’s Islamic history.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Jerusalem holds profound religious and historical weight for Muslims, manifested in its Qur’anic allusions, the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey, and Caliph Umar’s rule. While often a place of conflict, its heritage in Islamic tradition underscores its role as a symbol of faith and legacy.
