Jerusalem What’s the Big Deal?? 19th Century Jerusalem

-Jews have held it in high esteem since the 4th century BC -Home to Solomon’s Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, which is said to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments

The Holy Sepulcher or the Sacred Tomb is the most important shrine in the Christian world. On the grounds of the Holy Sepulcher it is believed that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and rose from the dead.

Significance of the City for Muslims -Considered Islam’s third holiest city after Mecca and Medina -The Prophet Muhammad worshipped at the sight of the Dome of the Rock and was given the commandment to pray 5 times a day. -Jerusalem was the Qibla (direction of prayers) during the 16.5 months after Muhammad’s journey to the city.

It is the 3rd holiest mosque for Islam Al-aqsa Mosque: the location of the first Qibla, before Mecca was the direction of prayer. It is the 3rd holiest mosque for Islam

Temple Mount/ Al Haram al-Sharif Where Abraham took Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice Site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem Site of the furthest most sanctuary reached by Muhammad and the Angel Gabriel Also home of the Dome of the Rock