Islamicjerusalem (Bait al-Maqdis) as a Model for Peaceful Co-Existence and Mutual Respect for all Humankind

Abstract

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,

Tan-Tan Sri, Dato-Dato Seri …

Excellencies, dignitaries, distinguished guests, Professors, ladies and gentlemen,

Assalamu ‘Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu

It is a great honour for me to address the distinguished audience here this morning on an issue which all Muslims around the world bear in the core of our hearts with great love, reverence and sympathy. It is nothing but the Islamicjerusalem or Bait al-Maqdis itself. Islamicjerusalem has an immense significance in the divine texts as well as the glorious traditions of Islamic history. The Holy Qur’an has termed the place and its surrounding area as ‘blessed land’ in at least two instances. In Surah Isra (chapter 17), verse 1 it is mentioned:

“Glorified be He (Allah) Who took His servant for a journey by night from AL-Masjid-Al-Haram (at Makkah) to Al-Masjid-al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) - the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed - in order that We might show him of Our signs. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.”