The importance of Jerusalem to Muslims

Submitted by Ameer Raschid (Turkey), Mar 7, 2012 at 15:36

I was surprised that Pipes in his comprehensive analysis has not mentioned that Jerusalem is important in Islam as the 3rd holiest or respected site after Makka because the Kaaba is there and Medina because the Prophet is buried there and as related in the Qur'an without being named, it was the first direction of prayer (Qibla) before being changed to Makka. To prove ownership of a building does only that and not the territory surrounding it, which is what the Jews and Arabs are trying to write their versions of history in order to maintains their status quo and expand its incorporated city limits to ethnically cleanse 1500 year old residents from while Arabs want status quo ante 1967 borders.

For narrow political goals the spiritual importance to both including Christian Arabs is ignored along with international law made subservient to Zionist nationalism (" If I forget thee, O Jerusalem....." and not Jewish religious belief such as the return of the Messiah. It seems the" Choleria on both your houses" regarding putting nationalism before honesty and spirituality might be appropriate here. Mutual disrespect before mutual respect cannot bring peace and reconciliation where only one right is right.

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