Understanding the Sacred Land
Palestine holds a special place in Islam, particularly due to its connection with Masjid al-Aqsa. The land of Palestine, especially Jerusalem, has been mentioned in numerous Hadiths. These sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) highlight the religious and spiritual importance of this sacred place. Let’s explore some significant Hadiths related to Palestine, their meaning, and the lessons we can learn.
The Destination of Isra
Hadees in English
Sayyidina Anas RA narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “I was brought the Buraq. I took it up to Jerusalem. There, I fastened it to the ring where Prophets fasten animals. Later, I entered the Masjid and performed prayers. Then I was taken to the heavens.” (Sahih Muslim)
Hadees in Urdu
حضرت انس رضی اللہ عنہ بیان کرتے ہیں کہ رسول اللہ ﷺ نے فرمایا: “مجھے براق لایا گیا، میں اس پر بیت المقدس پہنچا۔ وہاں میں نے اسے اس حلقے سے باندھا جس سے انبیاء جانور باندھتے ہیں۔ پھر میں مسجد میں داخل ہوا اور نماز ادا کی، بعد میں مجھے آسمان کی طرف لے جایا گیا۔” (صحیح مسلم)
Hadees in Arabic
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: “أُتِيتُ بِالْبُرَاقِ فَرَكِبْتُهُ، حَتَّى أَتَيْتُ بَيْتَ الْمَقْدِسِ، فَرَبَطْتُهُ بِالْحَلْقَةِ الَّتِي يَرْبِطُ بِهَا الأَنْبِيَاءُ.” (صحيح مسلم)
Key Lessons
This Hadith refers to the miraculous night journey (Isra) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. The journey is not only a reminder of the significance of the land of Palestine but also a sign of the connection between all Prophets who had ties to this holy place.
The First Qiblah in Islam
Hadith in English
Sayyidina Bara ibn Azib RA narrated, “I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in the direction of Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months, then Allah SWT turned us towards the [new] Qiblah, i.e., the Ka’bah.” (Bukhari)
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت براء بن عازب رضی اللہ عنہ بیان کرتے ہیں: “میں نے رسول اللہ ﷺ کے ساتھ سولہ یا سترہ مہینے بیت المقدس کی طرف رخ کر کے نماز پڑھی، پھر اللہ تعالیٰ نے ہمیں [نئی] قبلہ یعنی کعبہ کی طرف موڑ دیا۔” (بخاری)
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: “صَلَّيْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ إِلَى بَيْتِ الْمَقْدِسِ سِتَّةَ عَشَرَ شَهْرًا، أَوْ سَبْعَةَ عَشَرَ شَهْرًا، ثُمَّ صُرِفْنَا إِلَى الْكَعْبَةِ.” (بخاري)
Key Lessons
This Hadith emphasizes the significance of Masjid al-Aqsa, which was the first Qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims. It signifies the sacred history of Jerusalem and its importance in the spiritual journey of Muslims.
The Second House of Worship
Hadees in English
Sayyidina Abu Dharr al Ghifari RA narrated, “I asked the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which Masjid was established first on Earth. He said, ‘al-Masjid al-Haram [in Makkah].’ Then I asked, ‘Which one was next?’ He said, ‘al-Masjid al-Aqsa [in Jerusalem].’” (Muslim)
Hadees in Urdu
حضرت ابو ذر غفاری رضی اللہ عنہ نے پوچھا، “یا رسول اللہ! زمین پر سب سے پہلے کونسی مسجد بنائی گئی؟” آپ نے فرمایا، “مسجد الحرام [مکہ میں]۔” میں نے پوچھا، “پھر کونسی؟” آپ نے فرمایا، “مسجد الاقصی [یروشلم میں]۔” (مسلم)
Hadees in Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَيُّ مَسْجِدٍ وُضِعَ فِي الأَرْضِ أَوَّلُ؟ قَالَ: “الْمَسْجِدُ الْحَرَامُ”. قُلْتُ: ثُمَّ أَيٌّ؟ قَالَ: “الْمَسْجِدُ الأَقْصَى.” (مسلم)
Key Lessons
This Hadith teaches us about the ancient origins of Masjid al-Aqsa. It shows that Masjid al-Aqsa is one of the oldest places of worship, second only to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, further highlighting its significance in Islamic history.
The Third Holiest Masjid
Hadith in English
Sayyidina Abu Hurairah RA narrated, “The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ‘Do not deliberately set out on a journey [for worship] except to three mosques: the Masjid al-Haram, al-Masjid al-Aqsa, and my Masjid [in Madinah].’” (Bukhari)
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ روایت کرتے ہیں کہ رسول اللہ ﷺ نے فرمایا، “کسی مسجد کا قصد کر کے سفر نہ کرو سوائے تین مساجد کے: مسجد الحرام، مسجد الاقصیٰ اور میری مسجد [مدینہ میں]۔” (بخاری)
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: “لا تُشَدُّ الرِّحَالُ إِلا إِلَى ثَلاثَةِ مَسَاجِدَ: الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ، وَالْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى، وَمَسْجِدِي هَذَا.” (بخاري)
Key Lessons
This Hadith highlights the exclusivity and spiritual rank of Masjid al-Aqsa. It is one of the three holiest mosques, which should be the only destinations for pilgrimage.
Value of Prayers in Masjid al-Aqsa
Hadees in English
Sayyidina Abu Darda RA narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “A prayer in Makkah is worth 100,000 times, a prayer in my Masjid in Madinah is worth 1,000 times, and a prayer in Masjid al-Aqsa is worth 500 times more than elsewhere.” (Tabarani, Bayhaqi)
Hadees in Urdu
حضرت ابو درداء رضی اللہ عنہ روایت کرتے ہیں کہ رسول اللہ ﷺ نے فرمایا، “مکہ میں ایک نماز کا ثواب ایک لاکھ کے برابر ہے، میری مسجد میں ایک نماز کا ثواب ایک ہزار کے برابر ہے، اور مسجد الاقصیٰ میں ایک نماز کا ثواب پانچ سو کے برابر ہے۔” (طبرانی، بیہقی)
Hadees in Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: “صَلاةٌ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ بِمِئَةِ أَلْفِ صَلاةٍ، وَصَلاةٌ فِي مَسْجِدِي بِأَلْفِ صَلاةٍ، وَصَلاةٌ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى بِخَمْسِ مِائَةِ صَلاةٍ.” (طبراني، بيهقي)
Key Lessons
This Hadith highlights the tremendous reward that comes with offering prayers in Masjid al-Aqsa. It emphasizes the spiritual benefits of worshipping in this holy place and encourages Muslims to pray there.
References of the Hadiths
- Sahih Muslim
- Bukhari
- Muslim
- Tabarani, Bayhaqi
Important Lessons from the Hadiths
Spiritual Significance
Masjid al-Aqsa is an integral part of Islamic heritage. It connects Muslims to the Prophets of the past and remains a place of great religious value.
Rewards of Prayers
Prayers in Masjid al-Aqsa hold immense reward, and this motivates Muslims to seek out this place for worship.
Symbol of Unity
The Hadiths emphasize how Jerusalem and Palestine are symbols of unity for all Prophets, further solidifying its importance in the faith.
In summary, these Hadiths about Palestine underline its religious importance in Islam. For Muslims, Masjid al-Aqsa and Jerusalem are not only historically significant but also carry immense spiritual value.
Conclusion
Palestine holds a unique and significant place in Islam, with Masjid al-Aqsa being at its heart. The region is not only important historically but also spiritually. From being the first Qiblah to being the starting point of the miraculous Isra and Mi’raj, the hadiths demonstrate the deep connection between the land and Islamic tradition. Muslims around the world continue to revere Masjid al-Aqsa and the Holy Land, recognizing its role both in the past and the future.
Praying at Masjid al-Aqsa, understanding its significance, and reflecting on its place in Islamic eschatology is a reminder of the profound importance of this blessed land.