Why is the city of Jerusalem important in Islam?

Jerusalem is perhaps the only city in the world considered historically and spiritually significant for Jews, Christians and Muslims. The city of Jerusalem is known in Arabic as Al-Quds or Baitul-Maqdis ("The noble, sacred place") and the importance of the city for Muslims is a surprise for some Christians and Jews.

Center of monotheism
It should be remembered that Judaism, Christianity and Islam all come from a common source. All are religions of monotheism: the belief that there is only one God and one God. All three religions share reverence for many of the same prophets responsible for the first teaching of the Unity of God in the area around Jerusalem, including Abraham , Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus: peace be upon all. The reverence that these religions share for Jerusalem is proof of this shared background.

First Qiblah for Muslims
For Muslims, Jerusalem was the first Qibla - the place they turn to in prayer. It was for many years in the Islamic mission (16 months after the Hijrah) that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was commissioned to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca (Quran 2: 142-144). It is reported that the prophet Muhammad said: “There are only three mosques you should go on a trip to: the sacred mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), this my mosque (Madinah, Saudi Arabia) and the Al -Aqsa mosque ( Jerusalem). "

Hence, Jerusalem is one of the three holiest places on earth for Muslims.

Site of the night journey and ascension
It is Jerusalem that Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited during his nocturnal journey and ascension (called Isra 'e Mi'raj). In one evening, legend tells us that the angel Gabriel miraculously brought the Prophet from the Holy Mosque of Mecca to the farthest mosque (Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem. He was then taken to heaven to show him the signs of God. After the Prophet met the previous prophets and guided them in prayer, he was then taken back to Mecca. The whole experience (which many Muslim commentators take literally and most Muslims believe it to be a miracle) lasted several hours. The event of Isra 'e Mi'raj is mentioned in the Qur'an, in the first verse of chapter 17, entitled "Children of Israel".

Glory to Allah, who took his servant on an overnight journey, from the Holy Mosque to the farthest mosque, whose fences we blessed - so that we could show him some of our signs. Because it is He who listens and knows all things. (Quran 17: 1)
This nocturnal journey further strengthened the link between Mecca and Jerusalem as a holy city and is an example of the deep devotion and spiritual connection of every Muslim with Jerusalem. Most Muslims have a deep hope that Jerusalem and the rest of the Holy Land will be brought back to a land of peace where all religious believers can exist in harmony.