Reply to Islamist line on Jerusalem

Submitted by IZ (United States), Oct 27, 2006 at 19:09

I think from this commentary and the short response, I'm starting to understand the definition of "Islamist". It is a Muslim who is more focused on their identity as a Muslim, and associated customs and traditions, rather than on the true meaning of the word, "one who submits to God". This is like the Muslim version of Zionism, perhaps.

The third most holy place for Muslims is their local mosque, not Jerusalem. Why is that? The only truly holy place for Muslims is Mecca and surrounding areas, because this is part of the Hajj experience, the required pilgrimage for all physically, mentally and financially able Muslims, and which is one of the five pillars of Islam. One can argue Medina is holy because it was the birthplace of Islam, and most Muslims performing Hajj visit there.

But another requirement for Muslims is to pray 5 times per day, truly above all else, and to do so in the mosque has 27 times the reward of prayer alone. And it is a requirement for all Muslims, at least the men, to attend the weekly Friday prayer, where community matters are discussed in what is called the Kutbah. So, I'm defining "holy" as the places where God requires Muslims to practice Islam. Sure, there's little disputing among Muslims that Jerusalem is the place where Muhammad rose to the highest heavens to meet his maker, and this is mentioned in the Qur'an, but to be Muslim, one submits to God, which means doing what God says to do by way of the Quran or Prophet's practice. All the rest is frivolous on the Day of Judgment.

With that said, people are people, and one's rights to life and property should be respected. If there are Palestinians, Zionists, atheists, Muslims, Christians or Jews suffering in Jerusalem, then that should be dealt with in a reasonable manner.

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