Jerusalem is the seat of the three largest religions in the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Because of this, the religious significance of the capital of Israel is easy to see, yet quite difficult to fully understand. Such a tiny city holds a significant space in the hearts of the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. In their history, the three religions share Jerusalem as one of their important places and holy sites mentioned in the Bible, the Quran and the Torah.
Source: Flickr.com - ChrisYunker
Jerusalem is the seat of the three largest religions in the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Because of this, the religious significance of the capital of Israel is easy to see, yet quite difficult to fully understand. Such a tiny city holds a significant space in the hearts of the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. In their history, the three religions share Jerusalem as one of their important places and holy sites mentioned in the Bible, the Quran and the Torah.
For Christian believers, Jerusalem is important since it was the place where most of the events in Christ's life happened. During the reign of Constantine, it was known that Empress Helena found the original site bearing the relics of Jesus' crucifixion. As a result, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is created to honor the site as a holy testament to the sacrifice of Christ. Calvary or Golgotha is the site where Jesus suffered and crucified on the cross. Jerusalem became the main setting for the suffering, death, and eventual resurrection of the Son of Man. This is the same reason why many Christians hold the place dear since Christianity was the main religion in Jerusalem until the Muslim siege.
The Muslims in turn, hold high regard for Jerusalem because they believe that it is where Muhammad traveled in his pilgrimage. Along with Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is a sacred site of Islam. The Quran treats Jerusalem strongly because of the place's many associations with Muslim prophets like David, Solomon, Abraham and Jesus. For a period, many Muslims prayed towards the city of Jerusalem instead of Mecca. The creation of the Dome of the Rock is also a crucial part of Muslim history. The building is known as the point where Muhammad ascended into heaven to be with Allah.
Not only to Muslims and Christians, Jerusalem also plays a strong part in the history of the Jews. It served as the home of Jews and a holy site for their spiritual formation. In fact, most of Jerusalem honor religious law created by the Jews. Important events such as the Passover, which signified the escape of the Jewish Israelites from slavery, are celebrated in Jerusalem. In 10th century BC, King Solomon built a temple, which was later destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. However, throughout history the temple was burned and destroyed by occupying forces. The Wailing Wall in the Old City is the last of the holy remains of the temple grounds, which the Jews consider as the holiest place in Jerusalem.
Since the city plays a crucial part in Muslim, Christian and Jewish history, Jerusalem has been a center for religious significance. Currently, Jerusalem is shared by the three major religions as they had built separate prayer buildings for each religion. The main idea that the three religions share among each other is respect of tradition and heritage. All of them regard the city highly for its historical background in their histories. In the same manner, each of the religions coexists by respecting the beliefs of others. They also keep their traditions alive to preserve the holiness of the city of Jerusalem.
For Christian believers, Jerusalem is important since it was the place where most of the events in Christ's life happened. During the reign of Constantine, it was known that Empress Helena found the original site bearing the relics of Jesus' crucifixion. As a result, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is created to honor the site as a holy testament to the sacrifice of Christ. Calvary or Golgotha is the site where Jesus suffered and crucified on the cross. Jerusalem became the main setting for the suffering, death, and eventual resurrection of the Son of Man. This is the same reason why many Christians hold the place dear since Christianity was the main religion in Jerusalem until the Muslim siege.
The Muslims in turn, hold high regard for Jerusalem because they believe that it is where Muhammad traveled in his pilgrimage. Along with Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is a sacred site of Islam. The Quran treats Jerusalem strongly because of the place's many associations with Muslim prophets like David, Solomon, Abraham and Jesus. For a period, many Muslims prayed towards the city of Jerusalem instead of Mecca. The creation of the Dome of the Rock is also a crucial part of Muslim history. The building is known as the point where Muhammad ascended into heaven to be with Allah.
Not only to Muslims and Christians, Jerusalem also plays a strong part in the history of the Jews. It served as the home of Jews and a holy site for their spiritual formation. In fact, most of Jerusalem honor religious law created by the Jews. Important events such as the Passover, which signified the escape of the Jewish Israelites from slavery, are celebrated in Jerusalem. In 10th century BC, King Solomon built a temple, which was later destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. However, throughout history the temple was burned and destroyed by occupying forces. The Wailing Wall in the Old City is the last of the holy remains of the temple grounds, which the Jews consider as the holiest place in Jerusalem.
Since the city plays a crucial part in Muslim, Christian and Jewish history, Jerusalem has been a center for religious significance. Currently, Jerusalem is shared by the three major religions as they had built separate prayer buildings for each religion. The main idea that the three religions share among each other is respect of tradition and heritage. All of them regard the city highly for its historical background in their histories. In the same manner, each of the religions coexists by respecting the beliefs of others. They also keep their traditions alive to preserve the holiness of the city of Jerusalem.
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