Al Quds (Bayt al-muqaddas) also known as Jerusalem situated in the heart of Middle East is an ancient city. The name Al-quds (the-holy and sacred) marks its eloquence and purity. Apart from Muslims, Christians, Jews and devotees from many other religions flock here seeking remission and forgiveness from different parts of the world.
The sanctity of Bayt Al-Muqaddas is renowned as it is the land that serves as the Birth place of several Anbiyah Kiraam A.S. and the edifice of their spiritual and temporal life. It also narrates the course of their demise and eternal journey and is marked as the place of their sacred mausoleums.
Bayt al-muqaddas holds paramount significance in the life of a devotee. The divine reward of acquiring thawab equivalent to a thousand Namaz for one in Al–Masjid-Al-Aqsa is one of the features that attract a devotee towards this sacred land.
Once you enter the city of Jerusalem an overwhelming feeling of inner harmony takes over, along with the feeling of a heavenly mist flowing in the environment elevates the soul.
Al Dai al Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA and Al Dai al Ajal Syedna Mohammed BurhanuddinRA has also blessed Bayt al-muqaddas with their presence and it wouldn’t be wrong to state that even after the vicissitudes of time their preeminent presence brings the Islamic monuments to vigorous life.
Apart from the religious virtues it possesses Jerusalem being an ancient city is rich in culture and heritage.
Jerusalem a Brief History
In 3000 BC the city of Al Quds was formed by the Yabusiyeen and was named Yabus . Later on the Pharaohs named it Yabishi and then renamed it Urusalem, meaning City of peace.
One of the most important features the city withholds is the Nahr Ardun or the Jordan River. It is said that this is the historic river where Yahya Nabi AS (John) baptized Eesa Nabi AS (Jesus).
Dawood Nabi AS(David) conquered the land of Jerusalem after battling king Yabus and built a city. The construction of Masjid Al Aqsa also started in the reign of Dawood Nabi AS and ended in the era of Suleiman Nabi AS . The holy sepulcher in Jerusalem bears testimony for the crucifixion of Eesa Nabi AS on this land and his mausoleum.
Asqalan
Asqalan (Ashkelon) is a city in Al Quds where Imam Husain’s Raas Mubarak was kept for a long period of time. The Abbasid caliphate did not want people to do Zyarat of Imam Husain AS, hence commanded his forces to bury the Raas Mubarak in an isolated place that is beyond anyone’s reach.
In the era of Imam Mustansir AS the crusaders plotted an attack over Sham (Damascus), to face the crusaders Imam Mustansir AS appointed Maulana Badrul Jamali.
During this period the Raas Mubarak of Imam Husain AS appeared in Asqalan. On the command of Imam AS , Maulana Badrul Jamali built a Masjid and buried the Raas Mubarak outside the masjid.
Towards the end of the Fatimid reign, midst of 6th century the Raas Mubarak of Imam Husain AS was transferred from Asqalan to Al Qahera (Cairo).
Bethlehem (Bayt al Lahm)
Another interesting landmark of this city worth visiting is the Bayt al-Lahm. This place consists of a huge church. Marked as the place where Ibrahim Nabi AS complied with the task of redemption by sacrificing Ismail Nabi AS professing the command of the creator.
Al Dai al Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA visited Bayt al-Lahm and during the course of his visit observed the birth place of Eesa Nabi AS his bassinet and a palm tree.
Jordan River (Nahr Urdun)
Is the sacred river where Yahya Nabi AS baptized Eesa Nabi AS, the Christians considers this river as holy and sacred and yield its water seeking blessings.
Al Dai al Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA cleansed his Qadam Mubarak, consumed, and sprinkled some water on his forehead yielding Barakah.
Nazareth
Nazareth or Naserah is one of the most ancient and historic cities. Maulatena MaryamAS and Eesa Nabi AS have lived here for about 17 years. The name Nasarah in Arabic language today known as Christians is a derivation from the place Naserah. Naserah is marked by the accession of Eesa Nabi AS.