Islam is a monotheistic religion referring to Allah, as their one true God. It focuses on the final prophet Mohammad, and the Koran as the holy text. [1] The core practices are known to be the Five Pillars of Islam. [2] Any history or points of interests about the religion will be in reference to Jerusalem and the Crusades. Unlike Christianity and Judaism there is minimal reference to the city of Jerusalem within the Koran. One exception to this can be the mention in the Koran, of the prophet Mohammed being transported from Mecca to Jerusalem. [3] Many of the significance found present day was made during the Crusades by Islamic leaders, as both sides of the holy war fought to capture the city.
Jerusalem was one of the first Qibla’s, meaning it was one of the only three places instructed by the Prophet Mohammad to turn towards in prayer. [4] Thus, making it a very important place in the history of the Islamic religion.
The Umayyad’s, were decedents from Mohammad that had control over Jerusalem. [5] During this period, a revolt started between their people and the leader in Mecca. [6] From this, they sought to make Jerusalem as holy as Mecca, building The Dome of the Rock (688-91). It was Jerusalem’s first sacred building that still stands in rough form today. [7]
During the Crusades until 1150, Islamic nations often didn’t care as much about Jerusalem, contrasted with today’s view of it as a holy land. [10] In fact, often the city was stripped and left in order to fortify others from attacks by Christian nations. However, later on propaganda was made in order to stir interest in the city. [11] This involved newly made hadith’s, which are a collection of sayings represented by Mohammed. These new hadith’s, said that Jerusalem was the second greatest loss incurred by the Islamic nations. This brought back legitimacy and concern for the city of Jerusalem. [12]
Significance: As the Crusades are demonstrated as a holy war, it is important to understand each side and its motivations towards capturing Jerusalem. Historical buildings, reference to the Quran, and even propaganda in the mist of war are all factors in which draw Islamic nations towards the city of Jerusalem. Understanding this provides background, and possible predictions about Islamic motivations at the time of the letter of Prester John.
Sources:
- Cable News Network. “Islam — a brief overview.” CNN. December 18, 2006. Accessed January 23, 2018. http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/12/islam.overview/.
- Ibid.
- Pipes, Daniel. “The Muslim Claim to Jerusalem.” Daniel Pipes. September 01, 2001. Accessed January 23, 2018. http://www.danielpipes.org/84/the-muslim-claim-to-jerusalem.
- Huda. “Why the City of Jerusalem Is So Important to Muslims.” ThoughtCo. October 9, 2017. Accessed January 23, 2018. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-city-of-jerusalem-in-islam-2004409.
- Pipes, Daniel. “The Muslim Claim to Jerusalem.” Daniel Pipes. September 01, 2001. Accessed January 23, 2018. http://www.danielpipes.org/84/the-muslim-claim-to-jerusalem.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
Pictures:
Featured Photo–Max Pixel, Temple Mount Jerusalem Dome of the Rock Israel Dome, maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Temple-Mount-Jerusalem-Dome-Of-The-Rock-Israel-Dome-24
(Provides a modern day visual of the still standing, Dome of the Rock. This allows for visual representation of how significant the building is for the city still to current date.)
- Ariely, Second Temple, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Second_Temple_view.jpg
(The picture provides a better understanding of the magnitude the “Furthest Mosque” caries for Islamic nations in the city of Jerusalem.)
Written by: Tanner Delaney
Middle Riddles 
