The question of relinquishing Jerusalem, with all its Islamic and Christian holy shrines, has long been a subject of concern and importance for Muslims around the world. The city, home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first qiblah in Islam, holds profound significance in the hearts of Muslims. For centuries, it has been a symbol of religious unity, spirituality, and the struggles for justice. Thus, abandoning Jerusalem or any part of its sanctity is not an option for Muslims.
The Sanctity of Jerusalem in Islam
Jerusalem is not merely a physical space; it is a central aspect of Muslim faith. Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Makkah and Madinah, is located in Jerusalem. It was from here that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascended to the heavens during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj). The Qur’an itself references the blessed land surrounding Al-Aqsa, affirming its importance:
“Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a journey by night from the sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless…” (Al-Israa 17:1).
This profound connection to Jerusalem means that the city is of immense importance to every Muslim. It is not just a Palestinian issue—it is a global issue for all Muslims, regardless of their nationality or background. The sovereignty over Jerusalem, particularly East Jerusalem, must be preserved as part of the Islamic, Arab, and Palestinian heritage.
The Ruling on Abandoning Jerusalem
Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a prominent scholar, emphasizes that no Muslim, whether in authority or not, is permitted to give up any land that belongs to the Muslim world. The land of Islam is a shared responsibility for all Muslims. It cannot be sold or given away, as it is a trust from Allah. This responsibility is particularly critical when it comes to the holy land of Jerusalem. As the first qiblah and the site of many significant events in Islamic history, Jerusalem cannot be abandoned under any circumstances.
A Collective Responsibility
The defense of Jerusalem is not limited to any single group or nation; it is a duty that rests on the shoulders of Muslims worldwide. The city represents the core of the Palestinian cause and is a symbol of the broader struggle for justice in the Muslim world. Every Muslim, from individuals to governments, must unite in their efforts to preserve Jerusalem and its holy shrines.
The pain of seeing Jerusalem under occupation affects Muslims everywhere. From the moment in 1969 when a Jewish extremist attempted to burn Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Muslim world rallied together in defense of this sacred site. The First Islamic Summit was convened in response, leading to the establishment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Such solidarity is a reminder that the protection of Jerusalem is a shared responsibility.
The Historical Context
Jerusalem has been a part of the Islamic world for over 1,400 years. Muslims did not take it by force from the Jews but rather liberated it during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was granted the city by the Christian patriarch of Jerusalem under conditions that no Jew could live there. Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a symbol of Muslim governance, with tolerance for all religions. The longest period of Jewish rule in Palestine lasted only a few hundred years, while Muslims have lived there for over a millennium.
The legitimacy of Muslim sovereignty over Jerusalem is further supported by international law, which recognizes East Jerusalem as part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. Thus, historical, religious, and legal perspectives all point to Jerusalem’s rightful place within the Arab and Palestinian world.
A Call to Action
Muslims worldwide must consider the defense of Jerusalem as an integral part of their faith and their collective responsibility. It is not merely a political issue but a matter of upholding the sanctity of Islam. Whether it is through diplomatic means, humanitarian aid, or supporting the cause of Palestinian rights, every Muslim has a role to play.
The battle for Jerusalem is not just for the Palestinians; it is for all Muslims. It is a duty that transcends borders, uniting the Muslim Ummah in its defense of one of the holiest sites in Islam. The legacy of Jerusalem must be preserved for future generations, as it continues to represent the unity, resilience, and faith of the Muslim world.
Conclusion
Abandoning Jerusalem is not an option for Muslims. It is not only an issue of land but of faith, history, and collective responsibility. Jerusalem is the heart of the Palestinian cause and the embodiment of Muslim unity. From the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque to the broader struggle for justice in the region, the defense of Jerusalem remains a sacred duty for Muslims worldwide.