The Holy Land saw peace and justice during 1300 years of Muslim rule and persecution of Jews, Christians, and Muslims at other times. Palestine is
land of prophets. Many prophets were born or died in Palestine, including Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Lut (Lot), Dawood (David), Suleiman (Solomon), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), alayhimu-salam.Baitul-Maqdis in Palestine was first Qibla (direction in which Muslims face when praying) too, and Muslims prayed facing Baitul-Maqdis for around 14 years, after which Allah ordered Qibla to be changed towards Kaabah in Makkah.
Early History
The Canaanites are earliest known inhabitants of Palestine. They were thought to have lived in Palestine in third millennium BC. Then Pharaonic Egypt controlled area for much of second millennium BC. Prophet Musa, alayhi-salam, was born in Palestine during this time. When Egyptian power began to weaken, new invaders appeared: Hebrews, a group of Semitic tribes from Mesopotamia; and Philistines, after whom country (Philistia) was later named, an Aegean people of Indo-European stock. The Israelites, a confederation of Hebrew tribes, defeated Canaanites, but struggle with Philistines was more difficult. The Philistines had established an independent state on southern coast of Palestine and controlled Canaanite town of Jerusalem. The Philistines were superior in military organization and severely defeated Israelites in about 1050 BC.
Then, in around 995 BC, Prophet Dawood, alayhi-salam, Israel's king, united Hebrew tribes and eventually defeated Philistines. The three groups (Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites) assimilated with each other over years. The unity of Israelite tribes enabled Prophet Dawood, alayhi-salam, to establish a large independent state, with its capital at Jerusalem. After death of Prophet Dawood, alayhi-salam, in around 961 BC Prophet Sulayman, alayhi-salam, his son, became new king of Israel.
Construction and Destruction of First Temple
Prophet Sulayman, alayhi-salam, built a magnificent place of worship, First Temple, which housed Ark of Covenant, a sacred chest holding tablets inscribed with Ten Commandments. Soon after his death, kingdom was divided into two parts: northern Israel and southern Judah. Pagan Assyrians overran Israel in 721 BC. They destroyed First Temple. In 538 BC Persian emperor Cyrus defeated Babylonians and Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem.
Construction and Destruction of Second Temple
In 515 BC Jews built Second Temple at same site of First Temple. Alexander conquered Palestine in 332 BC. Three centuries later, Romans entered Jerusalem. Herod, client king for Roman Empire expanded Second Temple but destroyed religion. Then Prophet Isa, alayhi-salam, was born, around 4 BC. Jews joined with Roman paganism to persecute Prophet Jesus and his followers. In 70 CE, Titus of Rome laid siege to Jerusalem. The Herodian Temple eventually fell, and with it whole city. Seeking a complete and enduring victory, Titus ordered total destruction of city. A new city named Aelia was built on ruins of Jerusalem, and a temple dedicated to Jupitor was raised.
Christian Rule of Palestine
In 313 CE Roman emperor Constantine I legalized Christianity. Palestine, as Holy Land, became a focus of Christian pilgrimage. Most of population became Hellenized and Christianized. In 324 CE Constantine of Byzantium marched on Aelia. He rebuilt city walls and commissioned Church of Holy Sepulchre, and opened city for Christian pilgrimage.
In year 620 CE, Isra' wal Mi'raj took place. On this night, in a miraculous way, Prophet was taken on a momentous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and from there to heaven. The Night Journey was a great miracle that Muslims believe was given to Prophet Muhammad as an honor and also to impress upon Muslims importance of Jerusalem to them. The Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem is called al-Isra' and ascension from Jerusalem to heaven is called al-Mi'raj. Both of these events took place on same night. Angel Gabriel took Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Jerusalem. There he met all Prophets and Messengers and led them in prayers. Then it is reported that Prophet stood at Sacred Rock (al-Sakhrah al-Musharrafah), went to heavens. He arrived back in Makkah same night.
Muslim Rule of Palestine
The Byzantines who ruled Jerusalem at this time were very harsh. They not only barred Jews from entering Jerusalem, but also persecuted Christians who did not follow same sect as them. On other hand, Muslims had reputation for mercy and compassion in victory. So when Muslims marched into Palestine in 638 CE, people of Jerusalem gave up city only after a brief siege. They made just one condition, that terms of their surrender be negotiated directly with Khalifah Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, in person. Sayyidna Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, agreed to come and entered Jerusalem on foot. There was no bloodshed or massacres. Those who wanted to leave were allowed to leave, with all their goods. Those who wanted to stay were guaranteed protection for their lives, property and places of worship.
The conquest of Palestine by Muslims put an end to centuries of instability, religious persecution, and colonial rule. After advent of Islam, people enjoyed security, safety and peace. Schools, mosques and hospitals were founded. Palestine was a center of learning from which a large number of scholars graduated. The conquest of Palestine by Muslims began 1300 years of Muslim rule, with exception of period of Crusades (1099-1187) in what then became known as Filastin. The conquest of Palestine by Muslims put an end to centuries of instability, religious persecution, and colonial rule.
