Islamization of Jerusalem 638 CE

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Islamization of Jerusalem

The Islamization of Jerusalem refers to the transformation of the city that followed the Islamic Conquest of Jerusalem by Umar ibn Al-Khattāb in 638 CE. The remodulation was grounded on a foundational narrative in early Islamic texts that emphasized the city's cosmological significance within God's creation. It has been argued that the central role Jerusalem assumed in Islamic belief began with Muhammad's instruction to his followers to observe the qibla by facing the direction of Jerusalem during their daily prostrations in prayer. After 16 months, the direction of prayer was changed to Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia. Jerusalem importance rose in Islam in 682 CE, when Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr rebelled against the Islamic rulers in Damascus, conquered Mecca and prevented pilgrims from reaching Mecca. Although Jerusalem is not mentioned by its name in Quran, it is mentioned in later Islamic literature and in Hadiths, as the place of Muhammad ascension to heavenly sanctuary. According to early Arab historian and the biographer of Muhammad, Al-Waqidi, the 'further mosque' (al-Aqsa) are one of two located in the village ofin al-Gi'irranah between Mecca and Ta'if. The identification of Al Aqsa with Jerusalem came latter, during Umayyad Caliphate in late 7th century  more from Wikipedia Dome of the Rock • Al-Aqsa Mosque • Occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Jordan • Islamization of the Temple Mount • Islamization of Jerusalem under Jordanian occupation