In the name of Allah, Praise belongs to Allah, and Peace and Blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, and upon his family and his noble companions.
The intellectual decline in Islamic history has led many to forget the true significance of our lands. Unlike the rigid borders imposed by colonial powers, Muslim lands were historically united by faith and shared heritage. To understand the importance of the Levant, Palestine, and Masjid al-Aqsa, we must first define these regions and explore their virtues.
Defining the Levant, Palestine, and Masjid al-Aqsa
The Levant / Sham
The Levant, also known as Sham, is a blessed region that includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and parts of Turkey. Its blessings stem from its proximity to Masjid al-Aqsa, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The Holy Land / Ard al-Muqadassa / Palestine
The Holy Land, extending up to 40 miles from Masjid al-Aqsa, holds special significance in Islam. Historically known as Filastin (Palestine), this region was redrawn by British colonial powers, disregarding its traditional boundaries.
Masjid al-Aqsa / Bayt al-Maqdis
Masjid al-Aqsa, also known as Bayt al-Maqdis or Haram al-Sharif, is the spiritual heart of the region. It is not just the Dome of the Rock or the silver-domed mosque but an entire compound of sacred buildings.
Misconceptions about Masjid al-Aqsa have led some to suggest sharing its grounds with other religions. This is impermissible and stems from ignorance or malice.
The Importance of the Levant, Palestine, and Masjid al-Aqsa
Virtues of Sham (The Levant)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Blessed is al-Shām, blessed is al-Shām, blessed is al-Shām.” When asked why, he replied, “That is the land [over which] the angels of Allah spread their wings.”
Other narrations highlight the unique status of Sham:
- Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: “Allah divided goodness into ten parts, assigning nine to al-Shām and one to the rest of the lands.”
- The Prophet ﷺ also said: “If al-Shām is ruined, then there will be no goodness in my Ummah.”
Virtues of Ard al-Muqaddasa (Palestine)
The Holy Land holds a special place in Islamic history.
Abu Bakr ﷺ once wrote to Khalid ibn Walid ﷺ:
“Hurry to your brothers in Sham, by Allah, a village amongst the villages from Ard al-Maqdis is better to me than the conquest of a great province from the provinces of Iraq.”
Virtues of Masjid al-Aqsa
Masjid al-Aqsa is one of the three holiest sites in Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Salah in my Masjid is better than four Salahs there. And how excellent a Masjid it is! Soon there will come a time when having a piece of land, even as small as the length of a horse’s tether, from which one can see Bayt al-Maqdis, will be better for him than the entire world.”
It is also narrated that the Prophet ﷺ warned:
“The Dajjal will not enter four sacred spaces: the Ka’bah, the Masjid of the Prophet, Masjid al-Aqsa, and the Masjid of al-Tur.”
Why These Regions Matter Today
The Levant, Palestine, and Masjid al-Aqsa are not just historical landmarks but living symbols of Islamic heritage. Their preservation is a duty for Muslims worldwide.
As the Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is a group from my nation who will fight in the area of Damascus and what surrounds it and in the area of the Holy Land and what surrounds it. They will not be harmed by those who betray them, steadfast on the truth until the end of time.”
Conclusion
The Levant, Palestine, and Masjid al-Aqsa are central to Islamic history and spirituality. Their blessings and virtues remind us of our shared heritage and the importance of preserving these sacred lands. These regions are not just geographical locations but symbols of faith, resilience, and divine favor.
I can think of no better way to conclude than with this profound narration:
ʿUrwah ibn Ruwaym said that a man met Kaʿb, greeted him, and honored him until he pleased him. Kaʿb asked him where he was from, and the man replied, “From the people of al-Shām.”
Kaʿb said:
“Perhaps you are from the soldiers among whom seventy thousand will enter Paradise without reckoning or punishment.”
The man asked, “Who are they?” Kaʿb said, “The people of Ḥimṣ.” The man replied, “I am not one of them.”
Kaʿb continued:
“Then perhaps you are from the soldiers who will be recognized in Paradise by their green garments.”
The man asked, “Who are they?” Kaʿb said, “The people of Damascus.” The man replied, “I am not one of them.”
Kaʿb then said:
“Then perhaps you are from the soldiers who will be in the shade of the Throne of the Most Merciful.”
The man asked, “Who are they?” Kaʿb said, “The people of Jordan.” The man replied, “I am not one of them.”
Finally, Kaʿb said:
“Then perhaps you are from the soldiers whom Allah looks upon twice a day.”
The man asked, “Who are they?” Kaʿb said, “The people of Palestine.” The man replied, “Yes, I am one of them.”
This narration beautifully illustrates the unique status of the people of Palestine, whom Allah looks upon with special favor twice a day. It serves as a reminder of the divine blessings bestowed upon this land and its people, and it calls us to reflect on our responsibility to protect and honor these sacred spaces.
May Allah bless the Sham, preserve Palestine, and grant us the strength to uphold the sanctity of Masjid al-Aqsa. Ameen.