The history of Jerusalem, Israel, and Judaism is one of the most consequential and misunderstood topics in the modern world. From the ancient Canaanites who first developed the land to the Ottoman renovations and the devastating events of 1948, the story of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is inseparable from the story of Islam, and understanding this history is essential for anyone seeking justice and truth in our times.
Al-Quds: A Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Jerusalem has been described as a bridge joining the heavens and the earth, a city where countless prophets walked and where the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established Masjid Al-Aqsa as the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. The sacred area has endured over 25 battles throughout its history, yet it has always been rebuilt and renewed. Under Islamic governance, beginning with the Khalifa Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) in 636 CE, Jerusalem reached unprecedented heights of advancement, development, and peaceful coexistence among faiths.
“There will always be a group from my Ummah upholding the truth, victorious over their enemies. They are in and around Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), affirming the eternal connection between Muslims and the blessed land.
The Establishment of Israel and Its Consequences
The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 came at an enormous cost to the indigenous population — homes forcefully taken, lives destroyed, and a legacy of tyranny and displacement that continues to this day. Even within the Jewish community, the ultra-Orthodox Jews have opposed this establishment, arguing that the Talmud permits the return to the land only with the permission of all nations, including the most important nation of all: the people who actually live there.
“You forgot the permission of the most important nation — the people of the land itself.” — Ultra-Orthodox Jews challenging the Zionist movement’s violation of their own religious texts in establishing the state of Israel.
The Path Forward
- Muslims must educate themselves about both their own religion and the geopolitical realities of the world around them
- The word and the truth are more powerful than any rockets or bombs — educating people with evidence has the power to change hearts and votes
- Islam has governed Jerusalem with justice and pluralism throughout history, protecting the rights of all faiths under its rule
- Masjid Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock represent some of the most magnificent architectural and spiritual achievements in human history
The story of Jerusalem is a story that belongs to every Muslim, and defending the truth about Al-Quds is a responsibility that falls upon the entire Ummah. By learning our history, speaking the truth with evidence, and trusting in Allah’s promise, we can play our part in ensuring that justice prevails for the blessed land and its people.
