In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful!
An Introduction to the Important Religious and Historical Sites of the Holy Land, Palestine
Why do we love the land of Palestine, the first Qibla, the resting place of many Prophets, the land of resurrection? We love Palestine because:
- This land of Palestine has been the dwelling and territory of many Prophets (علیھم السلام).
- Prophet Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) migrated towards Palestine.
- Allah, the Exalted, saved Prophet Lut (علیہ السلام) from the punishment that befell his people at this very place.
- Prophet Dawood (علیہ السلام) resided in this land and also built a sanctuary here.
- Prophet Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) ruled over the entire world while residing in this country. The construction of Bait-ul-Muqaddas (Jerusalem’s Holy Temple) is also attributed to him.
فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ ٱلْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَوْتِهِۦٓ إِلَّا دَآبَّةُ ٱلْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنسَأَتَهُۥ ۖ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ ٱلْجِنُّ أَن لَّوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ ٱلْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا۟ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْمُهِينِ
When We decreed Solomon’s death, nothing indicated to the ˹subjected˺ jinn that he was dead except the termites eating away his staff.1 So when he collapsed, the jinn realized that if they had ˹really˺ known the unseen, they would not have remained in ˹such˺ humiliating servitude. (34:14)
- Prophet Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) had appointed the Jinn to construct the Bait-ul-Muqaddas. These Jinn naturally were rebellious and only worked under the supervision of Prophet Sulaiman (علیہ السلام). The belief was that after the death of Prophet Sulaiman (علیہ السلام), they would stop working. Therefore, as his time of death approached, he adopted the strategy to stand in his place of worship, leaning on his staff, so the Jinn would continue to see him and think he’s alive. He passed away in this state, but Allah Almighty kept his body standing with the support of the staff. The Jinn, believing he was still alive, continued their work until the temple was completed. Then, Allah sent termites to eat away at the staff. When the staff weakened, Prophet Sulaiman’s (علیہ السلام) body fell, revealing to the Jinn their misconception. They realized how wrong they were in thinking they had the knowledge of the unseen; if they had known, they would not have labored under this misunderstanding for so long.
- There’s the famous story of the ant in which an ant warned its fellows saying, “O ants, enter your dwellings.” This incident took place in the valley of the city of Ashkelon, which was later named “Wadi Al-Naml” (Valley of the Ants).
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمْلِ قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌۭ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مَسَـٰكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَـٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
And when they came across a valley of ants, an ant warned, “O ants! Go quickly into your homes so Solomon and his armies do not crush you, unknowingly.” (27:18)
{حَتّٰۤى اِذَاۤ اَتَوْا عَلٰى وَادِ النَّمْلِ : And when they came across a valley of ants} In this verse and the one following it, the incident of Hazrat Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) and the ant is described. Once Hazrat Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) passed through a valley in Shaam or Syria with his army, where ants were numerous. When the queen of the ants saw Hazrat Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) and his army approaching, she said, “O ants, enter your homes, lest Sulaiman and his army crush you without even realizing it.” The queen said this because she knew that Hazrat Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) was a prophet, a just ruler, and not inclined towards oppression and excess. So, if his army inadvertently crushed the ants while passing, it would be unintentional.
Hazrat Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) heard the words of the ant from a distance of three miles. His blessed hearing could encompass the speech of all creatures, and when he reached the valley of the ants, he ordered his army to halt. Consequently, the ants safely returned to their homes. This journey of Hazrat Sulaiman (علیہ السلام) was not on horseback or by any vehicle; rather, he was on foot. (Jalalayn, An-Naml, under verse: 18, page 318; Khazin, An-Naml, under verse: 18, 3/405, Muftaqta)
7: The shrine of Hazrat Zakariya (علیہ السلام) is also located in the same city.
8: Hazrat Musa (علیہ السلام) had advised his companions to enter this sacred city. They were told to enter this city because it was considered sacred due to being the residence of the prophets, and it was also purified from idolatry. Allah’s guidance was:
يَـٰقَوْمِ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْضَ ٱلْمُقَدَّسَةَ ٱلَّتِى كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَلَا تَرْتَدُّوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَدْبَارِكُمْ فَتَنقَلِبُوا۟ خَـٰسِرِينَ
O my people! Enter the Holy Land which Allah has destined for you ˹to enter˺. And do not turn back or else you will become losers.” (5:21)
Explanation: The Holy Land mentioned in verse 21 refers to the region of Shaam (Syria and Palestine), which includes the city mentioned in the previous verses. Allah had chosen this land for the Israelites, and it was a sacred place due to the presence of the prophets. When Hazrat Musa (علیہ السلام) and his people reached the vicinity of this city, they learned that it was inhabited by a formidable tribe known as the Amalekites, who were descendants of the nation of ‘Ad. They were powerful and tyrannical. Fearing a confrontation with the Amalekites, the Israelites were reluctant to enter the Holy Land despite Allah’s promise of victory.
The Emergence of Miracles
09: In this city, several miracles have occurred, including the blessed birth of Prophet Eisa (علیہ السلام) from the virgin Lady Maryam.
10: When Prophet Eisa (علیہ السلام) was sought to be killed by his people, Allah, the Exalted, raised him up to the heavens from this very city.
11: After the birth, when the lady faced extreme physical weakness, shaking the trunk of the date palm by Lady Maryam herself was also a divine miracle.
12: Among the signs of the Day of Judgment, the return of Prophet Eisa (علیہ السلام) to the earth will take place near the White Minaret of this city.
13: In this same city, near the Gate of Ludd, Prophet Eisa (علیہ السلام) will slay the Antichrist (Dajjal).
14: Palestine is the land of resurrection.
15: From this city, the war and corruption caused by Gog and Magog in the land will also begin.
16: Among the events occurring in this city, there is also the story of Saul and Goliath. Guidance is from Allah, the Most High.
فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُۥدُ جَالُوتَ وَءَاتَىٰهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُلْكَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُۥ مِمَّا يَشَآءُ ۗ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍۢ لَّفَسَدَتِ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
So they defeated them by Allah’s Will, and David killed Goliath. And Allah blessed David with kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed. Had Allah not repelled a group of people by ˹the might of˺ another, corruption would have dominated the earth, but Allah is Gracious to all. (2:251)
Goliath was a powerful champion of the enemy army. In the Bible, in the book of Samuel, it is mentioned that he challenged the Israelites for many days, calling for anyone to come forward and face him in combat. However, no one had the courage to confront him. At that time, David, a young boy, was with his three brothers who were participating in the battle. Because David was the youngest, he was left behind to tend to his elderly father’s needs.
After several days of the battle, David’s father sent him to the battlefield to check on his brothers and bring back news. When David arrived, he saw that Goliath was continuously challenging the Israelites, but no one was willing to fight him. David was filled with determination and asked King Saul for permission to face Goliath.
Initially, Saul and others were hesitant because of David’s youth, but eventually, they granted him permission. David went before Goliath, invoked the name of Allah, and hurled a stone at Goliath’s forehead, which struck him down. Goliath fell to the ground, and David took Goliath’s own sword and beheaded him.
Up to this point, there is no contradiction between the Bible and the Quran. However, after this event, the Bible mentions that Saul (or Saul) became envious of David’s popularity, leading to many conflicts and challenges posed by Saul against David. These conflicts are described in the Bible, but there is no mention of envy or jealousy in the Quran regarding Saul. In any case, David’s bravery and his subsequent rise to become the king of Israel are celebrated in both religious texts. Through David, it is believed that prophecy and kingship were united for the first time.
17: Palestine has the honor of being the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims after the obligatory prayers. After the Night Journey, during the Isra and Mi’raj, the Angel Gabriel brought the Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) from Makkah Al-Mukarramah to here, Beit al-Maqdis (Palestine). The mosque where this event occurred is still known as the Mosque of the Two Qiblas.
18: Before being taken to the heavens during the Night Journey, the Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) was brought from Makkah Al-Mukarramah to here, Beit al-Maqdis (Palestine). It is a sign from the Creator; He is indeed the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَآ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ
Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muḥammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs.1 Indeed, He2 alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (17:1)
This verse refers to the event of Isra and Miraj, which is detailed in Hadith and Seerah books. In summary, it narrates that the Archangel Gabriel (علیہ السلام) brought Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) to him one night on a creature named Buraq, which was an extremely fast means of transportation. They traveled from the Masjid al-Haram to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, marking the first stage of this journey known as Isra.
From there, Archangel Gabriel (علیہ السلام) took the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) through the seven heavens, and at each heaven, he met with previous prophets, culminating in a direct conversation with Allah (God). During this encounter, Allah ordained five daily prayers for the Muslim community. Afterward, the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) returned to Mecca on the same night.
This passage emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the Isra and Miraj event was a miraculous journey experienced in a state of wakefulness, not a dream. This distinction is crucial, as it is backed by authentic Hadith and aligns with the clear style of the Quran, which presents this event as an extraordinary sign from Allah.
19: In the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم), the prophets (علیھم السلام) offered prayers here, making Palestine the abode of all prophets once again.
20: Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) narrated that he asked the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) which was the first mosque built on Earth. The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) replied, “The Haram Mosque (Kaaba).” Abu Dharr then asked, “Which was the next?” The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) replied, “The Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem).” Abu Dharr further inquired about the distance between the two, to which the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) responded, “The journey between them takes forty years, and wherever you are at the time of prayer, you can offer your prayers there; that place is a mosque.”
21: After the departure of our beloved Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم), despite the severe challenges and turmoil, Hazrat Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) mustered both military and individual strength to prepare a military expedition towards the land of Sham (Palestine).
22: In the golden era of Islamic rule under Caliph Umar (رضي الله عنه), he left aside worldly conquests and personally journeyed to Palestine for its conquest. His act of praying there magnified the city’s importance.
23: The second liberation of this city happened in the hands of Salahuddin Ayyubi on the night of Friday, 27th Rajab 583 Hijri. This event signifies the city’s historical significance.
24: The name “Quds” was used before the Quranic revelation; it was named the Al-Aqsa Mosque after the Quranic revelation. The name “Quds” is derived from its sanctity, distinguishing it from other cities. Obtaining this city and protecting it from Roman oppression required the martyrdom of more than 5,000 companions (may Allah be pleased with them all). The chapter of martyrdom is still open, and this city is a city of martyrs.
25: The importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Levant is as significant as the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) interpreted the verse,
والتين والزيتون وطور سينين وهذا البلد الأمين
as referring to the significance of these places.
26: The verse,
ولقد كتبنا في الزبور من بعد الذكر أن الأرض يرثها عبادي الصالحون
was used to argue that the Muslim Ummah is the rightful heir to this sacred land.
Paragraph 27: The greatness of Palestine is further illustrated by the fact that each prayer offered there carries a reward 500 times greater than prayers offered elsewhere. Let us pray that Allah grants liberation to the First Qibla (Jerusalem). Currently, our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza are facing oppression from Israel, with restricted access to water and electricity. However, their resilience is remarkable, and through social media, we can raise our voices for them, urge Muslim leaders to cooperate with them, and provide financial aid. Let us constantly pray to Allah for their well-being.
In conclusion, today, we want to convey to the world that our connection with Palestine is not just one of love but of deep, enduring, and unwavering love.
