Certain places in the world have been directly mentioned in the Quran, while others have been implicitly specified. Some of the main reasons why they are mentioned are that they hold a significant place in Islamic history, such as the places of different battles, or they will be significant on the Day of Judgment. The same is the case with Palestine. Keeping this in mind, this blog will explore the different verses that mention the state of Palestine, what those verses say, and what the significance of this land is.
Palestine In The Quran
Although the land of Palestine is not mentioned in the Quran by name, several verses refer to this land, such as:
Quran 17:1
“Glorified be He Who carried His servant by night from the Inviolable Place of Worship to the Far Distant place of worship, the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, that We might show him of Our tokens! Lo! He, only He, is the Hearer, the Seer.”
This verse talks about the journey of Al Isra Wal Miraj, in which the Prophet Muhammad PBUH traveled from Al Aqsa Mosque to the seven heavens in a single night. And since Al Aqsa Mosque is in the country of Palestine, this verse indirectly references the land.
Regarding this verse, Imam at-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) explained:
The phrase “whose surroundings We have blessed” means that Allah, exalted be He, made the area around it blessed for its people in terms of their livelihood, provision, cultivation, and agriculture.
Quran 5:21
“O my people! Go into the holy land, which Allah has ordained for you. Turn not in flight, for surely ye turn back as losers.”
In the Arabic version of this word, the Quran uses the term Al-Ard al-Muqaddasah, about which Lisaan al-‘Arab states,
Muqaddas (holy) means blessed. Al-Ard al-Muqaddasah (the Holy Land) refers to a land that is purified. Al-Farraa’ stated that Al-Ard al-Muqaddasah is pure and includes Damascus, Palestine, and parts of Jordan. It may be said ard muqaddasah, meaning blessed. This is the view of both Qataadah and Ibn al-A‘raabi.
Why Is Palestine Significant To The Muslims?
Palestine is a country embedded in Islamic history and literature. The following are some of the reasons why the state of Palestine is important to Muslims:
Al-Aqsa Mosque
As stated in the Quran, the state of Palestine is the site of the miraculous night journey because Al-Aqsa Mosque is in this country. Apart from being the starting point of the night journey, Al-Aqsa Mosque was also the first qibla the Muslims faced when offering salah before the Kaaba. For roughly sixteen months after the daily prayers were made obligatory, Muslims prayed facing Jerusalem until the command was given to turn toward a new qiblah—the Sacred Mosque (Ka‘bah) in Makkah.
The foolish of the people will say, “What has turned them from the qiblah that they formerly observed?” Say: Unto Allah belong the East and the West. He guideth whom He will unto a straight path.
Land Of The Prophets
Palestine was the home of many prophets, such as Prophet Ibrahim AS, Prophet Yaqub AS, Prophet Dawud AS, Prophet Isa AS, etc. They all lived in the state of Palestine. The miraculous birth of Prophet Isa AS also took place here. Palestine was also the home of Prophet Sulaiman AS, who later rebuilt Al-Aqsa Mosque.
‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “When Sulaiman bin Dawud (Solomon) completed the construction of Bayt al-Maqdis, he asked Allah for three things: judgment that matched Allah’s own judgment, a kingdom that no one after him would possess, and that anyone who came to this mosque solely to pray would leave free of sin, as pure as the day his mother gave birth to him.” The Prophet (PBUH) added, “Two of these prayers were granted, and I hope the third was granted as well.”
It Is Part Of Ash-Sham
The region of Ash-Sham holds a significant place in the scriptures of Islam as well. It is referenced both in the Quran and the Hadith. Ash-Sham, also referred to as Greater Syria, includes the states of present-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine & Jordan.
Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “O Allah, bless our Sham and bless our Yemen.” The people asked, “And in our Najd.” He repeated, “O Allah, bless our Sham and bless our Yemen.” They again said, “And in our Najd.” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “There will be earthquakes and trials there,” or he said, “From there the horn of Satan will emerge.”
And We rescued him and Lot (and brought them) to the land which We have blessed for (all) peoples.
Note: The tafsir of the following verse in the Quran states that the blessed land refers to Ash-Sham (Reference)