Why is Jerusalem important to many religions?

Answer 1

Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. They all believe it to be a Holy city. However, as this question asked about Judaism and Islam, only those answers are here.

Jerusalem's Importance for Jews:

Answer 1

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and Jerusalem has been its only holy site for 3000 years, ever since King Solomon built the original Jewish temple there. The temple was destroyed by invading Babylonians and rebuilt at the same site (known as the Temple Mount) about 2500 years ago. It was then destroyed again when the Romans conquered Judea about 2000 yrs ago, killing a million Jews, expelling another million and enslaving the remaining million. All Jews who value their heritage feel ties to the holy land, where so many of their people struggled for the freedom to practice Judaism.

Answer 2

It is the only place the temple (that was destroyed in 70 CE) could be rebuilt. It must be rebuilt exactly where it was. This location, known as the Temple Mount is considered by the Arab world as occupied territory whereas the Israelis consider it liberated or reclaimed. (It was a spoil of war)

Answer 3

Jerusalem has been sacred to the Jews since King David proclaimed it his capital in the 10th century BCE. Although not mentioned in the Torah /Pentateuch, it is mentioned in The Bible 632 times.

Jerusalem's Importance for Muslims:

Answer 1

Islam; per Qur'an revelation by God to prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel; was started about 1400 years ago by Mohammed. However, Jerusalem is important to Muslims for two reasons:

1. Islam in its universal meaning of full submission to God is the call of all prophets since Adam through Noah, Abraham; Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon,..., Jesus, and Mohammad (Peace be upon them). Many of those prophet who called for Islam (Submission to God) were raised up and started in Jerusalem vicinity.
2. Prophet Muhammad in the miracle of "Israa and Miiraj" ascended to the Heaven from Jerusalem (where there is the Mosque of "Masjid Al-Aqsa" or Al Aqsa mosque). Accordingly, It is the third holiest site to Muslims. The other two sites are Mecca (or Makkah) and Medina. Jews believe that "Al Aqsa mosque" had been built on the Jewish temple ruins. Jerusalem is of course important to Christians, too.

Answer 2

For Muslims, there is the Dome of Rock, where Mohammed (PBUH), their prophet, made a nighttime journey to the heavens. It is the site where Muslims believe their prophet ascended into Heaven.

Also there is Masjid Al Aqsa, the Qibla where Muslims used to pray to before they had the order to pray to Kaaba.

Moreover, it is the place where most of the prophets existed and it is inhabited by Arabs long time ago, since the years of Prophet Moses.

It is where Muhammad (PBUH) rose to Paradise.

Answer 3

Muslims: Followers of Islam believe that their prophet, Muhammad, traveled to Jerusalem, where he was taken up bodily into heaven. He ascended into heaven for one night in order to meet with previous prophets and attain the greatest amount of revelation. Islam also recognizes King David as an Islamic Prophet and his building of the city enhances its sacredness.

Answer 4

For the Muslims: The city's lasting place in Islam, however, is primarily due to Muhammad's Night of Ascension (c. CE 620). Muslims believe Muhammad was miraculously transported one night from Mecca to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, whereupon he ascended to Heaven to meet previous prophets of Islam.

Answer 2

Jerusalem is the location of the First and Second Temple. The Temple Mount is the holiest site in Judaism.

Jerusalem remains a center of religious and political life today.

Answer:

Jerusalem is the center of Judaism. It is important to Jews because it was the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, in Genesis ch.22) and was later the seat of the Davidic Kings, when King David, Israel's greatest king, founded the dynasty that ruled Judah for much of its history, making Jerusalem the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel during his reign and that of his son, King Solomon. Most importantly, it was the location of the First and Second Temples, where offerings were made to God and where His presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies and was manifested in a number of miracles (Mishna, Avos ch.5).

Answer 3

Answer 1

Jerusalem is important to Jews today for several reasons. In history, Jerusalem was where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac. It is where King Solomon built the Temple, and where, after the Temple was destroyed, the Second Temple was built. On the same site, the third Temple will be built one day.

Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Israel, the national Jewish homeland, and the seat of Israel's parliament, the Knesset. It is the largest city in Israel, by area and population.

Answer 2

Jerusalem was made the capital of the people of Israel at the time of King David and has remained of great importance since. The sentiment is aptly expressed in Psalm 137:

"By the waters of Babylon, there we sat and wept as we remembered Zion....". It continues to say: "If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning".

For thousands of years we remembered our exile and prayed for it's end. Now at least we can do so from "up close".

Answer 3

In addition to the spiritual nature of Jerusalem, the city also serves as the political center of the Jewish State of Israel. The Knesset (Israel's Parliament) and the Supreme Court of Israel are headquartered in Jerusalem. As the Cypriots will tell you, having a divided capital city is not terribly desirable.

See also the Related Question as well.

Answer 4

It is the site of the ancient Jewish Temple, from which God's presence has never departed.

Answer 4

According to Judaism, the Jews and the Land of Israel have a very special relationship. Jerusalem, to enjoy its proper splendor and life needs the Jewish people to interact and love her. It is as if the place and its people are married and need to enjoy marital bliss. The holiness of Jerusalem and the holiness of the Jewish people are (to a certain degree) metaphors for this relationship.

As a result of the historical relationship between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, it was seen as an intrinsically holy city and a place where the Shechinah (God's presence) rested. Jerusalem has become representative of the connection the Jews and God. Jerusalem is also representative of the Redemption of the Jewish people from their physical and spiritual Exile, because this exile causes the melancholy that the Jewish people experience by being apart from the Shechinah. The Redemption, which Jews believe will be brought by the Messiah, will result in the Jewish people and the Shechinah returning most visibly to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are on the surface of the earth, they face towards Jerusalem (Talmud, Berakhot 30a), with love and longing.

If perhaps you meant to ask why Jerusalem is important for Jews instead of the reverse, please see the Related Question.

Answer 5

For Jews it is the only holy land. It is the 3rd holiest for Islam.

Many prophets have stepped on this land of course and has many reasons for being considered Holy.

Another answer

Jerusalem is important to the three religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• It is said by the Jews that it was the place of David and Solomon and their temple was there.
• It is the place where Jesus breached, got the Last Supper, got the trial by the Romans, and crucified or raised up to the Heavens.
• It is the place where prophet Muhammad raised up to Heavens by God miracle and brough back in same night. It was the first direction to face by Muslims during praying (salat) and before being changed to Mecca (or Makkah) in Saudi Arabia.

Answer 6

It has numerous holy sites that pertain to the major monotheistic faiths. The reason for this is due to the shared history and tradition that carries through all three of these religions and centers on the Israelite Kingdoms that had their capital in Jerusalem.

Answer 7

Answer 1

Jerusalem is the the center of Judaism. It is important to Jews because it was the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, in Genesis ch.22) and was later the seat of the Davidic Kings, when King David, Israel's greatest king, founded the dynasty that ruled Judah for much of its history, making Jerusalem the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel during his reign and that of his son, King Solomon. Most importantly, it was the location of the First and Second Temples, where offerings were made to God and where His presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies and was manifested in a number of miracles (Mishna, Avos ch.5).

Jerusalem is called the holy city by the prophets (Isaiah 52:1). It was where Jews would go three times a year to celebrate the holiest festivals. Even after the destruction of the Temple, the Temple Mount and adjacent Western ("Wailing") Wall is the holiest site in Judaism.

It is hoped and prophesied (Ezekiel ch.40-44) that one day a third temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem and that the Messiah will come to it.

Answer 2

As a result of the historical relationship between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, it was seen as an intrinsically holy city and a place where the Shechinah (God's presence) rested. Jerusalem has become representative of the connection with the Divine. In addition, Jerusalem is seen as the source of Divine Law, as demonstrated in many Jewish prayers: "Ki miTziyon tetze Torah udvar Hashem maYerushalayim - From Zion comes the Torah and the Word of God from Jerusalem"; Isaiah 2:3. (NOTE: Zion is another name for Jerusalem.) Jerusalem is also representative of the Redemption of the Jewish people from their physical and spiritual Exile, because this exile causes the melancholy that the Jewish people experience by being apart from the Shechinah. The Redemption, which Jews believe will be brought by the Messiah, will result in the Jewish people and the Shechinah returning most visibly to Jerusalem.

Answer 3

According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Jerusalem is the site where God took the very earth from which Adam, the first man, was formed. Read Genesis carefully; Adam was not created in the garden of Eden; he was TAKEN there. Jerusalem, because it is the first place on Earth where the spirit of God dwelt, is considered sacred, and a direct link to God.

Answer 4

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and Jerusalem has been its only holy site for 3000 years, ever since King Solomon built the original Jewish Temple there. The temple was destroyed by invading Babylonians and rebuilt at the same site (known as the Temple Mount) about 2500 years ago. It was then destroyed again when the Romans conquered Judea about 2000 yrs ago, killing a million Jews, expelling another million and enslaving the remaining million. All Jews who value their heritage feel ties to the holy land, where so many of their people struggled for the freedom to practice Judaism. At the same time, Jews believe that all people, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and everyone else should be welcome there, regardless of faith.

Answer 5

Jerusalem is the eternal Jewish city, and a symbol of a future time of peace. Jerusalem is also the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are on the surface of the earth, they face towards Jerusalem (Talmud, Berakhot 30a), with love and longing.

The sentiment is aptly expressed in Psalm 137:

"By the waters of Babylon, there we sat and wept as we remembered Zion....". It continues to say: "If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its wisdom."

For thousands of years we remembered our exile and prayed for its end. Now at least we can do so from "up close."

Answer 8

Jerusalem is important to the Jewish faith because it marks the center of the spirtual world and is the site of judaims holiest place, the temple mount (Beit Hamikdash) where the 2 previous temples of god stood.Those two temples werew destroyed by other nations, and it is believed that when the Jewish messiah comes, he will rebuild the temple on the mount in Jerusalem.

Answer 9

Jewish answers:Jerusalem is the center of Judaism. It is important to Jews because it was the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, in Genesis ch.22) and was later the seat of the Davidic Kings, when King David, Israel's greatest king, founded the dynasty that ruled Judah for much of its history, making Jerusalem the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel during his reign and that of his son, King Solomon. Most importantly, it was the location of the First and Second Temples, where offerings were made to God and where His presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies and was manifested in a number of miracles (Mishna, Avos ch.5).

Jerusalem is called the holy city by the prophets (Isaiah 52:1). It was where Jews would go three times a year to celebrate the holiest festivals (Deuteronomy ch.16). Even after the destruction of the Temple, the Temple Mount and adjacent Western ("Wailing") Wall is the holiest site in Judaism.

It is hoped and prophesied (Ezekiel ch.40-44) that one day a third temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem and that the Messiah will come to it.

Answer 2

As a result of the historical connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, it was seen as an intrinsically holy city and a place where God's presence rested. Jerusalem has become representative of the connection with the Divine. In addition, Jerusalem is seen as the source of Divine Law, as demonstrated in many Jewish prayers: "Ki miTziyon tetze Torah udvar Hashem maYerushalayim - From Zion comes the Torah and the Word of God from Jerusalem"; Isaiah 2:3. (NOTE: Zion is another name for Jerusalem.) Jerusalem is also representative of the Redemption of the Jewish people from their physical and spiritual Exile, because this exile causes the melancholy that the Jewish people experience by being apart from God's presence. The Redemption, which Jews believe will be brought by the Messiah, will result in the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem.

Answer 3

According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Jerusalem is the site where God took the very earth from which Adam, the first man, was formed. Read Genesis carefully; Adam was not created in the garden of Eden; he was TAKEN there. Jerusalem, because it is the first place on Earth where the spirit of God dwelt, is considered sacred, and a direct link to God.

Answer 4

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and Jerusalem has been its only holy site for 3000 years, ever since King Solomon built the first Jewish Temple there. The temple was destroyed by invading Babylonians and rebuilt at the same site (known as the Temple Mount) about 2500 years ago. It was then destroyed again when the Romans conquered Judea about 2000 yrs ago, killing a million Jews, expelling another million and enslaving the remaining million. All Jews who value their heritage feel ties to the holy land, where so many of their people struggled for the freedom to practice Judaism. At the same time, Jews believe that all people; Muslims, Jews, Christians, and everyone else should be welcome there, regardless of faith.

Answer 5

Jerusalem is the eternal Jewish city, and a symbol of a future time of peace. Jerusalem is also the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are, they face towards Jerusalem (Talmud, Berakhot 30a), with love and longing.

The sentiment is aptly expressed in Psalm 137:

"By the waters of Babylon, there we sat and wept as we remembered Zion....". It continues to say: "If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its wisdom."

For thousands of years we remembered our exile and prayed for its end. Now at least we can do so from "up close."

Christian Answers

Many of the reasons why Jerusalem is important to Christianity are shared by Judaism considering Christianity is supposed to be a continuation of Jewish tradition after Christ's life/death fulfilled the relevant prophecies.

In Christian theology Jesus' Second Coming involves the holy city a great deal. Two prophets are to be martyred and rise from the dead there. Christ triumphal entry is to be through one of the gates of the city with his army. The Book of Revelations contains a more thorough description of the significance of Jerusalem regarding this period of time.

As Jerusalem has great importance to both modern and ancient Judaism so it held significance in Christ's life - since he was raised Jewish.

The Pentecost happened in Jerusalem, and the Last Supper. Christ's arrest, trial, crucifixion, suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, burial and subsequent resurrection and ascension all occurred either in the city or nearby. The Book of Acts, Mark, and Luke have more complete text regarding these.

It should also be noted that Jerusalem is also significant to Islam - not just Christianity and Judaism.

Answer 10

In Judaism:

The holy land for Judaism is Israel (see Deuteronomy 11:11-12), and the holy city is Jerusalem.

• Link: The Promised Land
  

Jerusalem is the center of Judaism. It is important to Jews because it was chosen by God (Zechariah 3:2). It was the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, in Genesis ch.22) and was later the seat of the Davidic Kings, when King David, Israel's greatest king, founded the dynasty that ruled Judah for much of its history, making Jerusalem the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel during his reign and that of his son, King Solomon.

• Link: Jewish history timeline
  

Most importantly, it was the location of the First and Second Temples, where offerings were made to God and where His presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies (1 Kings ch.8) and was manifested in a number of miracles (Mishna, Avot ch.5).
Jerusalem is called the holy city by the prophets (Isaiah 52:1). It was where Jews would go three times a year to celebrate the holiest festivals (Deuteronomy ch.16). Even after the destruction of the Temple, the Temple Mount and adjacent Western ("Wailing") Wall, which still stands, is the holiest site in Judaism. It is hoped and prophesied (Ezekiel ch.40-44) that one day a third temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem and that the Messiah will come to it.

• Link: The Western Wall
  

Jerusalem has become representative of the connection with the Divine. Jerusalem is also seen as the source of Divine Law, as demonstrated in many Jewish prayers: "Ki miTziyon tetze Torah udvar Hashem miYerushalayim - From Zion comes the Torah and the Word of God from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:3).

Jerusalem is also representative of the Redemption of the Jewish people from their physical and spiritual exile, because this exile causes the melancholy that the Jewish people experience by being apart from God's presence. The Redemption, which Jews believe will be brought by the Messiah, will result in the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem.

According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Jerusalem is the site where God took the very earth from which Adam, the first man, was formed (midrash Rabbah 14:8). Read Genesis carefully; Adam was not created in the garden of Eden; he was taken there. Jerusalem, because it is the first place on Earth where the spirit of God dwelt, is considered a direct link to God.

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and Jerusalem has been its only holy site for over 3000 years. King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by invading Babylonians, and rebuilt at the same site (known as the Temple Mount) about 2500 years ago. It was then destroyed again when the Romans conquered Judea about 2000 years ago, killing a million Jews. All Jews who value their heritage feel ties to Jerusalem and the holy land, where so many of their people struggled for the freedom to practice Judaism. At the same time, Jews believe that all people should be welcome there, regardless of faith.

Jerusalem is the eternal Jewish city, and a symbol of a future time of peace. Jerusalem is also the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are, they face towards Jerusalem (Talmud, Berakhot 30a), with love and longing. The sentiment is aptly expressed in Psalm 137: "By the waters of Babylon, there we sat and wept as we remembered Zion....If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its wisdom."

For thousands of years we remembered our exile and prayed for its end. Now at least we can do so from "up close."

See also the other Related Links.

Link: Destruction and Diaspora

Link: Beauty of Jerusalem