For Quick Alerts
Subscribe Now  
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

3 Reasons Why Jerusalem Is A Holy City

You may have heard a number of times that Jerusalem is a holy city. Some people also refer to Jerusalem as the 'Holy Land' and believe that it is the holiest piece of land on the entire earth. There is a lot of mysticism around this city that has been the seat of religious turmoil for the last 60 years. Why is the city of Jerusalem so holy that 3 of the largest religions of the world are fighting over it?

The most unique thing about Jerusalem is that it is a holy city for 3 religions namely, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Jerusalem is holy land because it houses the only surviving Jewish temple, one of the oldest churches and a famous mosque, all within 20 square kms.

Jerusalem

Here are the 3 different religious stories that make Jerusalem a holy city for people all over the world.

Judaism: The Promised Land

According to recorded history, the holy city of Jerusalem was the original home of the Jewish people. The city was taken from them in conquest and King David fought bravely to win it back. But as misfortune struck the Jews, they were scattered all over the world. As per a prophecy in the Old testament of the Bible, they would one day unite and return to the Promised Land or the holy land of Jerusalem. The only standing Jewish temple in Jerusalem is the religious centre of Judaism.

Christianity: The Land Of Jesus

Jerusalem is not a city where Jesus Christ was born, but large parts of his life were spent here. He was brought to the Jewish temple as a boy and preached his gospels around the city. He was captured and crucified in Jerusalem and buried nearby. His disciples saw his resurrection in the outskirts of the city of Jerusalem. That is why the city of Jerusalem holds great significance for Christians who believe that is the centre of the earth. The Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the oldest churches in Christendom.

Islam: The City From Were The Prophet Ascended To Heaven

According to the holy scriptures of Islam, Jerusalem has always had ties with prophets in earlier times. When the final prophet or messenger of God, Mohammed arrived, he was carried over to Jerusalem at night by a mythical horse. Then from Temple Mount, he ascended to heaven and was accepted by Allah. Temple Mount is the exact place where the Dome of the Rock is situated. It is both a Muslim and Christian shrine. Other than that, there is the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem that is one of the 3 main holy places of Islam.

These are the 3 main causes that make Jerusalem a holy city. It is a pilgrimage for 3 different religions.

Story first published: Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 15:04 [IST]
Read more about: religion islam christianity