Jerusalem in the Qur’an: Guidance for
a Confusing Age
Summary of Imran N. Hossein’s speech
All praise belongs to Allah, who
revealed the Qur’an as guidance for humanity and sent down the Book to Prophet
Muhammad ﷺ
so that it might explain all things. Among the most astonishing events in
religious history are two linked developments: the expulsion of Banu Israel
from the Holy Land by Allah, followed—after nearly two thousand years—by their
return and the restoration of a state of Israel. The Qur’an alone provides a
framework to understand these events and offers guidance on how believers
should respond to the challenges of this age.
The Qur’an teaches that the Holy Land
is blessed, first mentioned in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon
him), whom Allah appointed as the Imam of all mankind. With that appointment
came a clear principle: the religion of Ibrahim is the one true religion, based
on submission to Allah rather than submission to human reason or political
power. True faith requires obedience to divine command even when it challenges
logic or personal comfort.
Banu Israel inherited the Holy Land
conditionally, not unconditionally. Allah granted them the land on the
condition that they remain servants of Allah and act with righteousness. When
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) commanded them to enter the Holy Land, they
refused, displaying arrogance and disobedience despite having witnessed Allah’s
miracles. As a result, they were barred from the land for forty years—clear
proof that the grant of the land depended on moral and spiritual conduct.
Over time, corruption emerged through
the alteration of divine revelation, including changes to rulings such as the
prohibition of usury (riba). This corruption led to the first destruction of
the state of Israel and the exile of Banu Israel to Babylon. Yet Allah promised
the coming of the Messiah, who would restore justice. When Prophet ‘Isa (peace
be upon him) was sent, he was rejected by the religious elite, despite clear
signs of his truth. They claimed they had killed him, but the Qur’an declares that
they neither killed nor crucified him—Allah raised him unto Himself.
The Qur’an reveals that ‘Isa (peace
be upon him) will return before the end of history. At that time, truth will
become unmistakably clear: Jews and Christians alike will recognize his true
status as a servant and messenger of Allah. However, belief at that final
moment will bring no benefit to those who rejected the truth earlier.
The Qur’an thus explains history not
as random events but as part of a divine process unfolding over time. Those who
seek understanding must return to the Book of Allah with humility, sincerity,
and courage—especially the youth—because guidance belongs only to those willing
to submit to truth, whatever the cost.
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