Why Palestine is important to Muslims based on the Quran & Sunnah

Palestine is a nation that is embedded in Islamic history and significance. Here are seven reasons why Palestine is important to Muslims according to the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

1. It was the home of many Prophets

Palestime was the home to the Prophets Ibraham, Isaac, Yaqub, Dawud, Sulayman, Zachariah, Yahya and Isa. They all lived in Palestine amongst many other Prophets. The miraculous birth of Jesus also took place in Palestine, along with his mother Mary. It is also said that Ibrahim and Isaac are buried in Hebron, Palestine.

2. Allah named it the “Holy land”

Allah refers to Palestine as the “Holy Land”, in reference to its purity and sanctity in Islam.

3. He also named it the “Blessed land”

Allah also refers to Palestine as the “Blessed Land” on many occasions. Ibn Saadi in his Tafsir states that the area surrounding Bayt-Al Maqdis was blessed with immense trees, rivers, and fertile soil. It was also blessed due to the virtues of Masjid Al-Aqsa over all other Masjids (excluding the Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah). It was a Madjid which was commanded to be visited and prayed within. Allah also specified the land for many of his Prophets and chosen people.

4. It is home to the third Holiest site

Palestine is home to the third holiest Masjid in Islam, Masjid Al-Aqsa. This Masjid was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for the Muslims and the Prophet explicitly encouraged Muslims to visit it. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Do not take journey except to three Masjids, the Sacred Mosque (Makkah), my Mosque (Madinah) and Masjid Al-Aqsa”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

5. It was the site of the miraculous night journey

The miraculous night journey of the Prophet ﷺ took place in Palestine. Whereby he ﷺ travelled from Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa and on to Heaven in a single night. The Prophet ﷺ  said:

“I mounted upon the Buraq (Beast), and did not dismount until I reached Bayt Al-Maqdis. There I tied it to a ring used by the Prophets and then prayed two units of prayers. I was then lifted into the Heavens.” (Sahih Muslim)

6. It is the land of many notable victories

It is the land in which Talut and Dawud defeated Jalut and his army. It is also the land in which Isa will defeat Messih Al-Dajjal, the Anti-Christ as mentioned in the Hadith:

“The son of Maryam will kill the Dajjaal at the gates of Ludd.” (Sahih Muslim)

Ludd (Lod) is a place near Bayt al-Maqdis.

7. It is part of Al-Shaam

Palestine is part of the greater Shaam region, which was praised by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Zaid Ibn Thabit narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Tuba for Al-Shaam, Tuba for Al-Shaam”, the companions repleid “And what for Oh Messenger?”. He ﷺ said “The Angels have spread their wings over Al-Shaam”. (At-Tirmidhi)