” Al-Quds Jerusalem “Jerusalem—the Al-Quds of Arabic—is perhaps the most religiously meaningful city on earth. Venerated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike, the city is imbued with religious, historical, and political significance. In this entry, though, we’re interested in its place in classical Islamic and Judaic tradition, where the city is not just a place on a map but a symbol of divine presence and holy promise.
To understand how Jerusalem has been viewed through both perspectives can contribute to a greater appreciation of its significance as the focal point of the religious awareness of billions.
Jerusalem in Classical Judaic Tradition
A Holy City from the Beginning
In Judaism, Jerusalem has been the focal point since biblical times. It first appears in the Hebrew Bible as Salem, which was ruled by Melchizedek, the king and priest who welcomed Abraham. It later became the political and religious center under King David, who captured it and established it as the capital of the unified kingdom of Israel.
His son, Solomon, constructed the First Temple there, which became the center of Jewish worship. The city was regarded as the earthly home of God and the center of Jewish life and pilgrimage.
The Temple and Divine Presence
The holiness of Jerusalem to Judaism is integrally connected with Temple Mount, also referred to as Har HaBayit. The Temple contained the Ark of the Covenant and was regarded as the material embodiment of God’s presence among His people. According to Jewish faith, divine interaction and grace descended upon the Temple, rendering Jerusalem a spiritual center of the globe.
The Babylonian Exile following the fall of the First Temple in 586 BCE was a watershed. While Jews were ousted en masse, there was never a lack of yearning for Jerusalem. It was re-established once more as the Second Temple, which eventually became a hub of worship and study until its failure by the Romans in 70 CE.
Eternal Connection
Despite the Second Temple’s destruction, Jerusalem remained central in Jewish prayer and identity. Jews pray facing Jerusalem, and the city is mentioned numerous times in Jewish liturgy. Phrases like “Next year in Jerusalem” recited during Passover Seder reflect this enduring connection.
Rabbinic classical works like the Talmud and Midrash elaborate on Jerusalem’s future, predicting its spiritual rebirth and the arrival of the Messiah who will restore the Temple and usher in peace.
Al-Quds in Classical Islamic Tradition
Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj: The Night Journey
In Islamic history, the holy status of Jerusalem is well established through the Isra’ and Mi’raj, the miraculous nocturnal journey of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In Surah Al-Isra (17:1), the Prophet was commanded to be taken from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and then went up through the heavens.
The occurrence promulgated Masjid al-Aqsa to a position of sanctity, and it became the third most sacred place in Islam, next to Makkah and Madinah.
First Qiblah
Prior to the Qiblah being shifted to the Kaaba in Makkah, Muslims originally prayed facing Jerusalem. This highlights the city’s initial importance in Islam and its role in combining previous Abrahamic revelations with the last message delivered by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Qur’anic and Hadith References
Even though Jerusalem is not named in the Qur’an, early Islamic interpreters are all in concurrence that Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa is Jerusalem. Hadith works also underscore the city’s merit: “Do not make a journey except to three mosques: Masjid al-Haram, this mosque of mine (in Madinah), and Masjid al-Aqsa.
” (Bukhari and Muslim) , Jerusalem has been defined as a land of the Prophets, an area where Allah sent down His revelations And a city that has been blessed by the visitation of numerous righteous servants of Allah.Islamic tradition refers to Jerusalem and its region as holy land (ard al-muqaddasah). It is the site where several Prophets, such as Ibrahim (Abraham), Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Isa (Jesus), and Musa (Moses) had their spiritual experiences or are said to be interred in the vicinity.
In the early Islamic caliphates, particularly in the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, Jerusalem was handled with great respect. His humility and deference in entering the city established the tone for Muslims in their attitude towards Al-Quds for so many centuries.
Shared Reverence and Commonalities
Both Judaism and Islam share the common perception that Jerusalem is a city of deep religious significance. Both denominations:
Link it to several prophets and revelations from God,See it as a place of judgment and mercy
Relate it to eventual redemption or God’s intervention, See it as a prayer and pilgrimage focus,
Such mutual respect is an echo of the interwoven pasts of the Abrahamic religions and of their spiritual bond with this holy city.
Historical Challenges and Modern Reflection
Throughout the ages, Jerusalem has passed from hand to hand numerous times, leading to conflict. Yet in the ancient traditions, the holiness of the city was ever above politics. Scholars, saints, and religious figures from the Jewish and Islamic traditions respected the city, promoting peace, reflection, and spirituality.
In modern times, political disputes have complicated the religious significance of Jerusalem. But the classical traditions remind us that Al-Quds is ultimately a place of divine connection, not division. It is a city meant to unite, not divide, those who seek nearness to God.
Conclusion
Jerusalem—Al-Quds—is more than a political or historic capital. It is a beacon of faith, mercy, and divine presence for classical Judaic and Islamic traditions. Its holiness lies in profound religious narratives over centuries that bind adherents across religious denominations in love and yearning for its radiance.As we look at its importance today, we are reminded that Jerusalem’s true greatness is not about walls and buildings but about the hearts that honor it on behalf of God.
Read more: 40 Hadith for Islamic Schools Part 1 By Muhammad S. Adly
