The division of Muslim lands during and after the First World War significantly altered the way of life for the people of the region. Before this division, a Muslim could seamlessly travel across the region: attending school in Hebron (Palestine), pursuing university studies in Amman (Jordan), finding a job in Damascus (Syria), and visiting Cairo for further education, all without the need for visas or crossing borders. Since the establishment of Islamic rule in the 7th century, Muslims had enjoyed a unified and interconnected way of life, free from the barriers that later emerged.
The whole area was known as Al-Shaam. This region, which now includes present-day Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Ummah or Muslim community. Palestine, often called the land of the Prophets, is particularly significant. It is a region where numerous Prophets, including Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Sulayman (Solomon), and Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them all, lived and conveyed the message of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah).
Building a Connection with the Blessed Land
To foster a deep love and connection to the sacred places within Al-Shaam, it is essential to understand several key concepts from the Quran and Hadith. Al-Shaam is revered as the land of Prophets, blessed with a rich history of prophetic teachings and events. Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is particularly blessed, a city where angels and Prophets have prayed. Al-Aqsa Mosque is uniquely positioned in Islam as the second masjid ever built and the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. It is also the site of the miraculous Isra and Mi'raj or Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. These profound connections, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, underscore the blessed nature of Al-Shaam and its revered sites, inviting Muslims to cherish and honor them.
In this article, we will discuss the Quran and Hadith, exploring their teachings and guidance concerning the significance of Al-Shaam and its revered sites.
From the Seerah
Zaid Ibn Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“‘How blessed is Al-Sham! The Companions asked, ’Why is that?’ The Messenger replied, ’I see the Angels of Allah spreading their wings over Al-Sham.’ Ibn Abbas added, ’And the Prophets lived therein. There is not a single inch in Al-Quds (Jerusalem) where a Prophet has not prayed or an Angel not stood.’”
(Tirmidhi, Ahmad)
Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“There will be migration upon migration. The best of the inhabitants of the earth will reside where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) migrated (Al-Quds).”.
(Abu Dawud)
Abu Umama, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Prophethood descended upon me in three places: Makkah, Madinah, and Al-Sham. Once it is brought out from any of them, it shall never return to it”
(Abu Dawud)
Another narration states:
“The Qur’an was revealed in three places – Makkah, Madinah, and Al-Sham.”
(Tabarani)
Ibn Kathir, the great scholar of Islam, said:
“Al-Sham here means Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).”
(Abu Dawud, Tabarani)
Umamah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“‘A group of my Ummah will remain on truth, they will vanquish their enemy, and those who disagree with them will not be able to harm them until Allah commands.’ ‘Where are these people?’ the companions asked. The Prophet said, ’In and around Al-Quds (Jerusalem).’”
(Ahmad)
From the Quran
Al-Isra wal Mi’raj, also known as the Night Journey and Ascension is a miraculous event mentioned in the Quran. It is believed to have occurred on the 27th of Rajab. Allah tells us that he took the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be on him, to the blessed land.
"Exalted is He who took His Servant (Prophet Muhammad by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing."
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)
On this night, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was taken by the Angel Jibril on Buraq from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa. This Hadith tells us what happened there. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him said:
“On the night journey Allah’s Messenger was taken on a night journey (Al-Isra and Al-Miraj), two cups, one containing wine and the other containing milk were presented to him at Al-Quds (Jerusalem). He looked at them and took the cup of milk. Angel Gabriel said, “Praise be to Allah, who guided you to Al-Fitrah (the right path); if you had taken (the cup of) wine, your Ummah would have gone astray.”
(Bukhari)
At Al-Aqsa, all the Prophets that Allah had ever sent were waiting for the final Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. He led the other Prophets in congregational prayer. Ibn `Abbas narrated that the Prophet said:
"I saw Moses, Jesus, and Abraham (on the night of my Ascension to the heavens). Jesus was of red complexion, curly hair, and a broad chest. Moses was of brown complexion, straight hair, and tall stature as if he was from the people of Az-Zutt."
(Bukhari)
Then, accompanied by angel Jibril, he journeyed through the heavens and met Allah.
Significance of the Prophet’s Journey through the Heavens
These elements make the Miraj a cornerstone event that continues to inspire and guide Muslims in their belief and daily practices.
- The Miraj reaffirms the special status of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, as Allah's final messenger.
- The journey includes visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, emphasizing the city's sacred status in Islam. This event strengthens Muslims' historical and spiritual connection to Al Quds.
- During the Miraj, the five daily prayers (Salah) were established as a fundamental practice for Muslims.
- The Miraj highlights the unity of all Prophets in the Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, led a congregation of previous Prophets in prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque, symbolizing the continuity and unity of Allah's message throughout history.
- The miraculous nature of the Miraj demonstrates Allah's infinite power to transcend time and space.
Teaching about Palestine
Here’s a guide on incorporating pedagogical principles into this topic.
1. Metacognition: Discuss what learners know about the Prophets who lived in Palestine or traveled there. Use a KWL chart (Know, Want to know, Learned) to organize thoughts.
2. Visual aids: Take a virtual tour using Google Earth or similar platforms to explore significant historical and religious sites in Al-Shaam.
3. Interactive Maps: Use a timeline map that shows the historical changes in Al-Shaam alongside significant events in Islamic history. Learners can interact with the map by adding markers and notes.
4. Auditory learners: Have learners listen to podcasts or audio recordings of lectures and stories about the Prophets.
5. Kinesthetic learners: Make a large floor map of Al-Shaam and have learners place markers on significant locations mentioned in the stories of the Prophets. Write the locations of major cities.
6. Discussion groups: Implement a "jigsaw" discussion method where each group of learners becomes experts on a different Prophet or event related to Al-Shaam and then shares their knowledge with the rest of the class.
7. Reflection: Use a reflective discussion circle where learners verbally share their reflections on what they have learned about Al-Shaam and its significance.
8. Research: Have learners make a multimedia presentation (e.g., a video or slideshow) about Isra and Miraj, focusing on the event's significance and the command of five daily prayers.
Final Words and Resources
The land of Al-Shaam, with its profound blessings and rich history, carries the timeless message of Tawhid and the struggles of numerous Prophets who conveyed it. This region is steeped in spiritual significance. By understanding and cherishing these divine connections, we inspire our children to love and honor these blessed places, nurturing a deep, enduring connection to their rich Islamic heritage.
Islamic Vocabulary Bank
Familiarize learners with Islamic names of places and normalize Islamic terms. By using these Islamic terms regularly, children will become more familiar with their cultural and spiritual heritage, fostering a deeper connection to their history.
- Al-Shaam – The holy land (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine)
- Al-Quds (Jerusalem) – The third holiest city in Islam, home to the Al-Aqsa
- Al-Aqsa Masjid – A large compound containing many masajid
- Qubbat al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock) – Believed to be the place of Miraj (ascension to the heavens)
- Masjid al Qibli – part of Al Aqsa compound
- Filastin (Palestine) – The Arabic name for Palestine, a region with deep historical and religious significance
- Bayt al Maqdis – The Holy Land of Al Quds
- Kaaba – The most sacred site in Islam, located in Makkah, towards which Muslims pray
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) – Located in Madinah and the burial place of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him
- Makkah – The birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the location of the Kaaba
- Madinah – The city where Prophet Muhammad made Hijrah and established the Muslim State
- Hijrah – The migration of Muslims from Makkah to Madinah
Additional Resources H3 Header
9 Divine Connections between Blessed Shaam and Yemen in the Quran and Hadith
Palestine in the Qur’an – Masjid al Aqsa
Isra and Miraj | SoundVision.com
Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj: The Story of the Miraculous Night Journey | Muslim Hands UK
Maps of the Region
Uzma Ahmed holds an MA in International Relations from Queen Mary University of London. She has served as an educational consultant, primary school principal, curriculum developer, researcher in Islamic education, and teacher trainer for schools around the world. She actively contributes to the community by conducting courses on the Quran, Sirah, Islamic history, and personal development, and she is a public speaker on contemporary issues in the Muslim world. She has authored primary-level English textbooks, reading books, and 5D Thinking science workbooks. She contributes to curriculum development at the Islamic Curriculum Initiative. Currently, she is the Director of Education and Training at the Institute of Integrated Knowledge.
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