Palestine History Series: Episode 1 – Ancient Roots and the Early Islamic Era

Palestine, historically known as "Ard Kan'an" (Land of Canaan), has been a cradle of civilizations and a nexus for cultural and religious interactions over millennia. In this first episode of our series on Palestinian history, we delve into the ancient origins of the region, the Islamic conquest led by Caliph 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), the significance of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) in Islam, and the role and message of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him).

Ancient Roots: The Land of Canaan

The earliest known inhabitants of Palestine were the Canaanites, who settled in the region around 3000 BCE. These Semitic peoples established a flourishing civilization, engaging in agriculture, trade, and the development of city-states. Due to its strategic location bridging Africa and Asia, Palestine became a melting pot of various cultures and traditions, laying the groundwork for its rich and diverse heritage.

The Islamic Conquest and the 'Umariyya Covenant

In 15 AH (636 CE), during the caliphate of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), Muslim forces, under the command of Abu 'Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, approached Al-Quds. After a period of negotiations, the inhabitants of the city agreed to surrender, requesting that the peace treaty be personally ratified by Caliph 'Umar. Honoring their request, 'Umar traveled from Al-Madinah to Al-Quds to formalize the agreement.

Upon his arrival, 'Umar was presented with the keys to the city by the Christian Patriarch Sophronius, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of authority. He then issued the 'Umariyya Covenant, a historic document that guaranteed the safety, property, and religious freedoms of all inhabitants of Al-Quds. The covenant stated:

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This is the assurance of safety which the servant of Allah, 'Umar, the Commander of the Faithful, has given to the people of Al-Quds. He has given them an assurance of safety for themselves, for their property, their churches, their crosses..."

This covenant exemplified the principles of justice and tolerance in Islamic governance, ensuring that the diverse religious communities in Al-Quds could coexist peacefully.

Al-Quds in Islam: Al-Isra' wa Al-Mi'raj

Al-Quds holds a central place in Islamic spirituality, being the site of Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, the first Qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims and the third holiest mosque in Islam. It was the destination of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) miraculous Night Journey (Al-Isra') and the starting point of his Ascension (Al-Mi'raj) through the heavens. This profound event is commemorated in the Qur'an and underscores the sanctity of Al-Quds in the hearts of Muslims worldwide.

Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, Peace Be Upon Him): Lineage and Message

Prophet 'Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon him) was born in Bayt Lahm (Bethlehem), a town in Palestine. He was a descendant of Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him) and was sent as a messenger to guide Banu Isra'il (the Children of Israel) back to the path of monotheism. His message emphasized devotion to Allah, compassion, and righteousness. In Islam, 'Isa (peace be upon him) is revered as one of the five Ulul 'Azm (possessors of steadfastness) prophets, who exhibited exemplary patience and determination in their missions.

Conclusion

The history of Palestine is deeply interwoven with the narratives of ancient civilizations, pivotal Islamic events, and the missions of esteemed prophets. From its Canaanite foundations to the just and inclusive governance established during the early Islamic period, Palestine remains a testament to a rich and multifaceted heritage.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we will explore the Umayyad and Abbasid periods and their impact on the development of Palestine.