Perhaps no city in the world has experienced significant events as much as Jerusalem has throughout human history. This city has been, over the course of history, a focal point for conflicts and occupations, as well as continuous destruction over time, which has resulted in it being layered today with archaeological historical strata from nations that buried some of each other and built upon each other. I do not claim that it is the only city in history that has gone through this many nations and occupations, but it may be the most diverse in the form, type, and nature of each occupation, especially given its unique spiritual, historical, and cultural significance.
Some today unjustly study the history, nature, and philosophy of Jerusalem while disregarding its spiritual religious character among the followers of various faiths. The truth is, it is impossible to understand the nature of the conflict over the holy city if it is separated from its religious essence. This is where the role of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque comes into play, as it is the most important and sacred element in Jerusalem, always remaining an ever-present absence in the history of the holy city.
The historical reality has many indicators that show a significant portion of the conflicts that have occurred in the city of Jerusalem centered around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Setting aside the biblical narrative that some orientalists have tried to forcibly implant in the land of the holy city, this narrative places Al-Aqsa Mosque later in the history of the city. In contrast, the studies conducted by specialized Muslim scholars today reveal a remarkable truth: that Al-Aqsa Mosque predates Jerusalem in existence, construction, and history. This is in accordance with the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who indicated that the construction of Al-Aqsa came forty years after the construction of the Sacred Kaaba. Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he said: "O Messenger of Allah, which mosque was built first on earth?" He said: "The Sacred Mosque." I asked: "Then which one?" He said: "Al-Aqsa Mosque." I asked: "How much time was between them?" He said: "Forty..." [Hadith narrated by Bukhari 3425 and Muslim 520]. Some researchers today, such as Dr. Haytham Al-Ratrout at An-Najah University in Nablus, have been able to prove that there is a harmonious geometric relationship between Al-Aqsa and the Kaaba, demonstrating that the builder is one, and that there is no doubt it existed before the presence of all the Children of Israel on this land. Indeed, it may even date back to the time of Adam, the first human being (peace be upon him).
The matter does not stop here; in my attempt to understand the relationship of Al-Aqsa Mosque to the history of Jerusalem, I found that the construction of the first city of Jerusalem itself was linked to the existence of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which predated its existence. When the early Arab Canaanites wanted to build the first city of Jerusalem, located in what we now know as "Silwan," south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, they chose the site of the city to extend longitudinally between Al-Aqsa Mosque in the north and the Silwan spring, the only water source in Jerusalem, in the south. This was contrary to what was customary in ancient cities, which were built in a circular manner around a water source (as was the case with Makkah, which was built around Zamzam). However, when the Canaanites sought to establish Jerusalem, they were faced with two important issues: on one hand, Al-Aqsa Mosque, which represented their spiritual need, and on the other hand, the Silwan spring, which represented their material need for water. Therefore, they built the first city of Jerusalem longitudinally between Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Silwan spring. This indicates that they were united, and thus it was natural for them to welcome the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, after hundreds of years, who did not need to call them to Islam. This aligns with the noble Quranic text that says:( Then We delivered him, along with Lot, to the land We had showered with blessings for all people.) (Al-Anbya :71) It is not mentioned in the Holy Quran that he, peace be upon him, called the people of this region to monotheism, because they were already monotheists. They had originally sustained the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and for this reason, they recognized the value of Abraham, the father of the Prophets, peace be upon him. They welcomed him in the holy land, and after this migration, he became an imam for the people, as stated in the Holy Quran.
The blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque is the cornerstone of this entire story and placing it in its natural context makes the picture clear and easy to understand. It is a great mosque that has always been a foundational element of human history.
- Haitham Al-Ratrout, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Quranic Artifacts, Jerusalem Studies Journal, Issue 1, 2005.
- Abdullah Ma'ruf Omar, The Introduction to Studies of Jerusalem, Amman: Al-Fursan Foundation, 2018.
- Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Zarkashi, The Knowledge of the Worshipper about the Rulings of Mosques, Cairo: Ministry of Awqaf, 1996.
- Mustafa Al-Dabbagh, Encyclopedia of Our Country Palestine, Kafr Qara: Dar Al-Huda, 2002.
(*) Professor of Jerusalem Studies - May 29 University - Istanbul.
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