Is Jerusalem the Qibla?
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Dear All, Please can you help me understand the significance of below quotes (copied / pasted into one of the threads in free-minds from iipc based quran.org/forum) in the context of qibla. They also seemed to have concluded that Masjid Al Haram is located in Makkah/Mecca. Thanks in advance.
Quote1. Evidence from Al-Qur'an about Location of Al Masjid Al Haraam (The Sacred Mosque) & Al Bayt (The House)
"And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Makka, after that He gave you the victory over them. And Allah sees well all that ye do." 4824
"They (the unbelievers whose hands were restrained by Allah from the believers in the middle of Makkah) are the rejectors and they opposed you from Al Masjid Al Haraam and the sacrificial animals, detained from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom ye did not know that ye were trampling down and on whose account a crime would have accrued to you without (your) knowledge, ((Allah) would have allowed you to force your way, but He held back your hands) that He may admit to His Mercy whom He will. If they had been apart, We should certainly have punished the Unbelievers among them with a grievous Punishment." 4815
It is clear from 4814-15 that the residents of Makkah who were rejecting prevented the believers from Al Masjid Al Haraam and also prevented the Hadya (gift, sacrifical animal) from reaching its place, which is further described as Al Bayt Al Ateeq i.e. the ancient House in Al Hajj 2233. Therefore, it is evident from pondering on these ayaat that both Al Masjid Al Haraam as well as Al Bayt (The House) mentioned in various ayaat are located in Makkah and not in Jerusalem.
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Salam Patanahi,
If you read the verses quoted in your post, there are two simple conclusions that are drawn
- There was a place called "Makkah" during the time of the Quran,
- This place "Makka" was an enemy city of Islam and was actively hindering pilgrims and donations as they made their way up through the "center" if this city.
These verses have been pointed out several times by the proponents of Bakka (Jerusalem) to show that "Makka", as mentioned in the Quran, not only is not the place of pilgrimage/donations, but is a town/city on the way that was hostile to the believers.
This is why the discussion on "Petra" has ranged where some (myself included) have stated that Petra is the Quranic "Mecca" that was an enemy to the believers and is physically located on the path from Yathrib to Bakka.
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Salam Patanahi,
What is the significance of verse 2158 in the context of determining the location of masjid al haraam and ka'aba? The verse starts with a reference towards two hilltops "Al Safa" and "Al Marwa" which are located in Makkah next to Ka'aba
Who is to say they are hilltops? The words "Safa" means "Stone/rock" (see the use of "Safwan" in the Quran).
The temple of Jerusalem has a "stone'rock" at its center (hence the name the "dome of the Rock"
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What is the significance of verse 2158 in the context of determining the location of masjid al haraam and ka'aba? The verse starts with a reference towards two hilltops "Al Safa" and "Al Marwa" which are located in Makkah next to Ka'aba
Marwa (و means 'quartz', not a 'high place'.
"Safa and Marwa are signs of Allah (shaAAa-iri Allahi); so whoever makes a pilgrimage to the House or pays a visit, there is no blame on him if he goes round them." Surah 2158
Safa (ا
lined (ِ Surah 371
rows (ا Surah 1848, 2064, 371, 614, 7838, 8922"And We set, between them and the towns (alqura) that We have blessed (barakna), cities apparent (quran thahiratan) and well We measured (waqaddarna) the sierras (alssayra) between them 'Journey among them by night and day in security!'" Surah 3418
Mountain ranges/Sierras (alssayra/sayran) Surah 3418, 5210
The House is in a valley, not on a mount
"Our Lord, I have made some of my seed to dwell in a valley (biwadin) where is no sown land by Thy Holy House (baytika almuharrami); Our Lord, let them perform the prayer, and make hearts of men yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits; haply they will be thankful." Surah 1437
"I have only been commanded to serve the Lord of this territory (hathihi) which He has made sacred (harramaha); to Him belongs everything. And I have been commanded to be of those that surrender (almuslimeena)," Surah 2791
Peace.
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My appologies, Marwah is indeed a "rock" as is Safa.
Abraham made part of his progeny reside in a valley "near" the Bayt Al-Haram (not at it).
If we read the Quran a bit more carefully, we find that Abraham is referring to Lot who was from his progeny.
Lot was based around the area of the Dead Sea - near the Bayt Al-Haram - near Jerusalem.
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My appologies, Marwah is indeed a "rock" as is Safa.
Thank you for your admission of error.
Abraham made part of his progeny reside in a valley "near" the Bayt Al-Haram (not at it).
""Our Lord, I have made some of my seed (dhurriyyatī to dwell in a valley (biwadin) where is no sown land by Thy Holy House (baytika almuharrami); Our Lord, let them perform the prayer, and make hearts of men yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits; haply they will be thankful." Surah 1437
(biwadin)
(biwadin)
(biwadin)Layth, do you say 'Near the name of Allah' or do you say 'In the name of Allah' when you say 'Bismillah'?
If we read the Quran a bit more carefully, we find that Abraham is referring to Lot who was from his progeny.
So you are claiming that Lot (pbuh) is Abraham's (pbuh) descendent - his seed?
"And when thy Lord took from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (dhurriyyatahum), and made them testify touching themselves, 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we testify'-- lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, 'As for us, we were heedless of this,'" Surah 7172
You do understand that in every instance that (dhurriyyatī is used in the Quran, it speaks of someone who is offspring - a descendent - and not a relative. Surah 2124, 2128, 2266, 334, 336, 338, 49, 684, 687, 6133, 7172, 7173, 1083, 1338, 1437, 1440, 173, 1762, 1850, 1958, 2927, 3641, 3777, 37113, 4615, 5221, 5726
"That is Our argument, which We bestowed upon Abraham as against his people. We raise up in degrees whom We will; surely thy Lord is All-wise, All-knowing.
And We gave to him Isaac and Jacob -- each one We guided, And Noah We guided before; and of his seed (dhurriyyatihi) David and Solomon, Job and Joseph, Moses and Aaron -- even so We recompense the good-doers -- Zachariah and John, Isa and Elias; each was of the righteous; Ishmael and Elisha, Jonah and Lot - each one We preferred above all beings; and of their fathers, and of their seed (wadhurriyytihim), and of their brethren (wa-ikh'wnihim); and We elected them, and We guided them to a straight path." Surah 683-87"And We gave Moses the Book, and made it a guidance to the Children of Israel 'Take not unto yourselves any guardian apart from Me.' The seed (dhurriyyata) of those We bore with Noah; he was a thankful servant." Surah 172-3
"These are they whom God has blessed among the Prophets of the seed (dhurriyyati) of Adam, and of those We bore with Noah, and of the seed (dhurriyyati) of Abraham and Israel, and of those We guided and chose. When the signs of the All-merciful were recited to them, they fell down prostrate, weeping." Surah 1958
"And We sent Noah, and Abraham, and We appointed the Prophecy and the Book to be among their seed (dhurriyyatihim and some of them are guided, and many of them are ungodly." Surah 5726
Let us see your proof that Lot is an descendant of Abraham - offspring from his loins.
"And there is a sect of them twist their tongues with the Book, that you may suppose it part of the Book, yet it is not part of the Book; and they say, 'It is from God,' yet it is not from God, and they speak falsehood against God, and that wittingly." Surah 378
Peace.
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Just for my understanding I want to reconfirm about the comments on Al Safa and Al Marwa. Are we saying that besides Al Safa and Al Marwa (located near Ka'aba in Makkah) there is another Al Safa and Al Marwa located in Jerusalem.
Regarding Jerusalem, please can someone comment on the following post in one of the threads on this forum
QuoteAnyone has any thought on this verse?
10.025
Wa Allahu yadAAoo ila dari alssalami wayahdee man yashao ila siratin mustaqeem.
And / but Allah call to the Home of Peace (Dari al-Salami) He guide whom He pleaseth to a way that is straight.Does "Home Of Peace" = "Dari al-Salami" = "Yerushaliyem" = "Jerusalem"?
UnqouteI hope you all bear with me and my comments as I am new to all these discussions and usually ask about things that are commonly known to people here but are great source of learning for me.
Thanks
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Just for my understanding I want to reconfirm about the comments on Al Safa and Al Marwa. Are we saying that besides Al Safa and Al Marwa (located near Ka'aba in Makkah) there is another Al Safa and Al Marwa located in Jerusalem.
I do not believe Safa and Marwa are located in Jerusalem. You will have to ask Layth for her proof, as I do not believe as she believes.
QuoteAnyone has any thought on this verse?
10.025
Wa Allahu yadAAoo ila dari alssalami wayahdee man yashao ila siratin mustaqeem.
And / but Allah call to the Home of Peace (Dari al-Salami) He guide whom He pleaseth to a way that is straight.Continue reading.
"And God summons to the Abode of Peace, and He guides whomsoever He will to to a straight path; the good-doers the reward most fair and a surplus; neither dust nor abasement shall overspread their faces. Those are the inhabitants of Paradise, therein dwelling immortal." Surah 1025-26
The Abode of Peace is Paradise.
Peace.
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Dear Raging,
I do not believe Safa and Marwa are located in Jerusalem. You will have to ask Layth for her proof, as I do not believe as she believes.
Never knew I came across online as a "she"!
Layth / = Lion (Arabic masculine).
For someone who quotes a lot of Arabic verses and speaks about the meanings of Arabic words...You should have picked that up
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Salam Patanahi,
Just for my understanding I want to reconfirm about the comments on Al Safa and Al Marwa. Are we saying that besides Al Safa and Al Marwa (located near Ka'aba in Makkah) there is another Al Safa and Al Marwa located in Jerusalem.
Not exactly. What is being said is that there are only one Safa & Marwa, but that these are located in Baka at the Masjid Haram (as the Quran states) - and that Baka is Jerusalem.
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Dear Raging,
Never knew I came across online as a "she"!
Layth / = Lion (Arabic masculine).
For someone who quotes a lot of Arabic verses and speaks about the meanings of Arabic words...You should have picked that up
Apologies, brother. I stand corrected on your gender. -[
However, if you have something to bring to bear as proof for what you believe - from the Quran - I am sure we are all waiting to see it.
Peace.
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Not exactly. What is being said is that there are only one Safa & Marwa, but that these are located in Baka at the Masjid Haram (as the Quran states) - and that Baka is Jerusalem.
Where does the Quran state Masjid Al-Haram is in Jerusalem? If the Quran states this, then bring your proof that the Quran states this.
It is easy to prove Jerusalem contains Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Temple of the Bani Israel that was destroyed twice for the disobedience of the Yahudians.
?Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the Further Mosque the precincts of which We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. He is the All-hearing, the All-seeing.? Surah 171Al-Aqsa Mosque is named here in the Quran, as shown in the Arabic
?Subhana allathee asra biAAabdihi laylan mina almasjidi alharami ila almasjidi alaqsa allathee barakna hawlahu linuriyahu min ayatina innahu huwa alssameeAAu albaseeru? Surah 171Where is Masjid Al-Aqsa located today? In Jerusalem.
Let?s continue reading, for we see that Allah makes mention of Moses (pbuh)
?And We gave Moses the Book, and made it a guidance to the Children of Israel 'Take not unto yourselves any guardian apart from Me.'
The seed of those We bore with Noah; he was a thankful servant.? Surah 172-3So the Bani Israel have guidance given to them through Moses (pbuh).
?And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the Book 'You shall do corruption in the earth twice, and you shall ascend exceeding high.'
So, when the promise of the first of these came to pass, We sent against you servants of Ours, men of great might, and they went through the habitations, and it was a promise performed.
Then We gave back to you the turn to prevail over them, and We succoured you with wealth and children, and We made you a greater host.
'If you do good, it is your own souls you do good to, and if you do evil it is to them likewise.' Then, when the promise of the second came to pass, We sent against you Our servants to discountenance you, and to enter the Temple (almasjida), as they entered it the first time, and to destroy utterly that which they ascended to." Surah 174-7It is easy to prove Masjid Al-Haram is in a valley and not on a mount.
""Our Lord, I have made some of my seed (dhurriyyatī to dwell in a valley (biwadin) where is no sown land by Thy Holy House (baytika almuharrami); Our Lord, let them perform the prayer, and make hearts of men yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits; haply they will be thankful." Surah 1437
It is easy to prove Masjid Al-Haram has provision brought to it, and is a place of security.
?They say, 'Should we follow the guidance with thee, we shall be snatched from our land.' Have We not established for them a sanctuary secure, to which are collected the fruits of everything, as a provision from Us? But most of them know not.? Surah 2857
What provision is brought to Jerusalem to be fed to the poor and well fed, as the Quran instructs? None. No sacrifices occur there at all.
Yet every year sacrifices are made at Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca, and the bounty sent to the poor.
Allah is clear the Kaaba is the place of sacrifice/donation Surah 595-97, 2233Are you saying Ge'ullim called 'Baka' in parenthesis is Bakka in the Quran. Is this your claim?
http//free-minds.org/sites/default/files/jerusalem_93.jpgThis map is your proof, Layth? Where is your proof from the Quran, Layth?
Layth / = Lion (Arabic masculine).
For someone who quotes a lot of Arabic verses and speaks about the meanings of Arabic words...You should have picked that up
"Farrat min qaswaratin" Surah 7451
"fleeing -- before a lion (qaswaratin)?" Surah 7451Now I understand why I did not make a connection with 'Lion' and 'Layth'.
I study the Quran. I have no idea what you are studying for your guidance.The Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon
http//www.searchgodsword.org/lex/heb/view.cgi?number=03919
Laish = "lion" n pr m- father of Phaltiel, the man to whom king Saul gave his daughter Michal in marriage even though she was already married to David n pr loc
- an early name for Dan, a town in northern Israel
- a place north of Jerusalem; site unknown
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_of_Judah
Lion of Judah and Judaism
"The lion of Judah on the coat of arms of Jerusalemhttp//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Jerusalem-coat-of-arms.svg
Within Judaism, the Biblical Judah (in Hebrew Yehuda) is the original name of the Tribe of Judah - traditionally symbolized by a lion. In Genesis, the patriarch Jacob ("Israel" refers to his son Judah as a Gur Aryeh , a "Young Lion" (Genesis 499) when blessing him. In Jewish naming tradition the Hebrew name and the substitute name are often combined as a pair, as in this case."
Why are you are striving to bring people to the ways of the Yahudians - the Jews - and to a Temple on a mount that was destroyed twice, where no provision is brought to it, in a territory that is not secure?
"God took compact (meethaqa)with the Children of Israel; and We raised up from among them twelve chieftains. And God said, 'I am with you. Surely, if you perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and believe in My Messengers and succour them, and lend to God a good loan, I will acquit you of your evil deeds, and I will admit you to gardens underneath which rivers flow. So whosoever of you thereafter disbelieves, surely he has gone astray from the right way. "
So for their breaking their compact (meethaqahum) We cursed them and made their hearts hard, they perverting words from their meanings; and they have forgotten a portion of that they were reminded of; and thou wilt never cease to light upon some act of treachery on their part, except a few of them. Yet pardon them, and forgive; surely God loves the good-doers." Surah 513"Or did those in whose hearts is sickness think that God would not bring to light their rancour? Did We will, We would show them to thee, then thou wouldst know them by their mark; and thou shalt certainly know them in the twisting of their speech; and God knows your deeds." Surah 4729-30
Bring your proof.
Explanation is not proof.All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all beings. All Mighty, All Knowing, Seer.
He does not make mistakes, nor does He forget. Surah 482, 2052Peace.
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The Quran says Bakka is the place the pilgrimage and not Mecca. Bakka is in Jerusalem. It has existed in Jerusalem for thousands of years. Moreover Abraham most likely lived near Jerusalem and it was the place where he was about to sacrifice his son. Why else do you think the Jews built Jerusalem in the area where it is now???
396 The first house established for the public is the one in Bakka, blessed, and guidance for the worlds
397 In it are clear signs the place of Abraham. Whoever enters it will be secure. Pilgrimage to the sanctuary is a duty from God for the people who can afford a means to it. Whoever rejects, and then God has no need of the worlds.In addition there is not a single verse in the Quran that states that Mecca is where the sacred masjid resided. Also there is tons of evidence that show that the city of Mecca didn?t even exist prior to the 400 AD. How can a city of great religious importance not have one single record of its existence prior to 400 AD??? If Mecca existed before Jerusalem (as the ?muslim scholars who fabricate nonsense would like you to believe? )Why isn?t there no record of Mecca???
In adition why are arguing about the proofs from the Quran and bringing up futile wikilinks about Lions of Judah??? What does that have to do with any of the ayats in the Quran???
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peace KDC501,
The Quran says Bakka is the place the pilgrimage
No it does not.
In addition there is not a single verse in the Quran that states that Mecca is where the sacred masjid resided.
Correct. Just like there is not a single verse in the Quran that states "al hajj to/ila X".
Your translation of 396-97 can be improved to better reflect the possibilities in Arabic, e.g.
396 Indeed, the first house/BYT set-down/placed for mankind was the one with/in/by/at bakka* blessed and a guidance for the beings.
397 In it clear/manifest signs/evidences, the station/status of Abraham, and whoever entered it was securing. And to/for God upon mankind (is) al/the hajj/symposium (at/of) the house/BYT, whoever is able to make a way to it. And whoever conceals/rejects, then truly The God has no need of the beings.*Classical Arabic meanings can include "distinguishing/ranking above others".
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peace KDC501,
No it does not.
Correct. Just like there is not a single verse in the Quran that states "al hajj to/ila X".
Your translation of 396-97 can be improved to better reflect the possibilities in Arabic, e.g.
396 Indeed, the first house/BYT set-down/placed for mankind was the one with/in/by/at bakka* blessed and a guidance for the beings.
397 In it clear/manifest signs/evidences, the station/status of Abraham, and whoever entered it was securing. And to/for God upon mankind (is) al/the hajj/symposium (at/of) the house/BYT, whoever is able to make a way to it. And whoever conceals/rejects, then truly The God has no need of the beings.*Classical Arabic meanings can include "distinguishing/ranking above others".
Correction Bekka is in Jerusalem. And the temple resides in Jerusalem (where the Dome of the Rock is situated) (Mt. Moriah , Marwah in Arabic) where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son.
This other issue in regards to Hajj , as far as I'm aware of , Pilgrimage has been in the existence since the time of Jews.
If Pilgrimage wasn't necessary why would God place verses in the Quran dealing with the religious rites of Pilgrimage?2196 Complete the Pilgrimage and the visit for God. But, if you are prevented, then make what is affordable of donation, and do not shave your heads until the donation reaches its destination. Whoever of you is ill or has an affliction to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a sacrifice. But if you are able, then whoever continues the visit until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what is affordable of donation. If one cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten; this is for those whose family is not present at the Restricted Temple. Be conscientious of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.
2197 The Pilgrimage is in the four known months. So, whosoever decides to perform the Pilgrimage in them, then there shall be no sexual approach, nor vileness, nor quarreling in the Pilgrimage. Any good that you do, God is aware of it; and bring provisions for yourselves, though the best provision is awareness; and be conscientious of Me O you who possesses intelligence.Peace,
Kevin -
peace Kevin,
Correction
You did not correct me in anything. You simply added more information. (I assume to elaborate your view, which is fine, but that is not the same as correcting)
If Pilgrimage wasn't necessary why would God place verses in the Quran dealing with the religious rites of Pilgrimage?
Unfortunately I cannot answer the above as your assumption is part of your conclusion/question. However, if we change the above to the following
If al hajj wasn't necessary why would God place verses in the Quran dealing with the rites of al hajj
When did I say "al hajj" was not necessary? Please re-read what I wrote. It seems you, like many many others, have simply repeated the myth that in The Quran it says something like "al hajj to/ila X".
As a side note, that is not the only problem with such an understanding.
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Two nights ago I started reading the book " The Natural Republic ". I read in one the chapters that the Qibla is not Mecca but Jerusalem. At first I was a bit skeptical however after reading a few additional articles I'm starting to think that indeed Jerusalem has to be the Qibla. I was a Christian. And i read the Bible. So far to my knowledge none of the prophets, Jews or Christians could have gone to Mecca for pilgrimage. The Bible places ALOT of emphasis on Jerusalem as the place of pilgrimage. Also the Quran did say in Sura 396 The first house established for the public is the one in Bakka, blessed, and guidance for the worlds.
I always thought that the word Bakka was an old word for the city of Mecca however to my astonishment there is a place called Bakka in Jerusalem! Another issue that bothered me was why was Prophet Mohammad so preoccupied with fighting the Byzantium army unless it was of great importance??? And if the Kaaba in Mecca was the original Qibla why is it according to Islamic History that Muhammad prayed in the direction of Jerusalem during the period the Quran was being revealed. The writers of this book make very strong arguments to support the theory that Jerusalem (where the dome of the rock is situated ) is the focal point. I'm beginning to think so to. Does anyone have any comments on this particular topic?Maybe its Beersheba.
http//www.firstthings.com/blogs/spengler/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=784
Also
http//brotherpete.com/index.php?topic=1230.0
As fas as Haj, this is a tradition that God gave all mankind. I think the Kaa'ba was used by the pagans of Mecca until monotheism came there. But it was not an exceptional event. The only exceptional aspect of the Kaa'ba was Muhammad was from there and therefore the Koran talked about it. However every nation has rites and pilrimages of some sort. I do not see any Abrahamic com=nnection. later Muslim authorities, fearing other places might make their own Haj, tried to give Mecca an exclusivity. Hence the need to connect it with Abraham and Hagar. Abraham and Hagar were in South Palestine and not Mecca.
22.34. To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food). But your Allah is One Allah. submit then your wills to Him (in Islam) and give thou the good news to those who humble themselves,-
So I see Mecca and the Ka'aba as an ancient Arab house of worship that God wanted it to be monotheist. Many of the rites Muslims do probably were done by the pagans of mecca but to their deities and gods. Rituals and rites are among all nations, but its the montheism that the Koran is looking at.
22.36-37. The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the symbols from Allah. in them is (much) good for you then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice) when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility thus have We made animals subject to you, that ye may be grateful. It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah. it is your piety that reaches Him He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right.
Peace!
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The only exceptional aspect of the Kaa'ba was Muhammad was from there
Where does it say this in the Quran?
Peace.
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Salam,
Just to note, some point on why I am a believer in Jerusalem being the Bakka of the Quran
- Bakka is the name of the site of the pilgrimage. Bakka is the name given to Jerusalem in maps as well as in the Bible (Pslams);
- All followers of Abraham (Jews, Nazarenes) know Jerusalem as the "holy site"...None of them heard of Mecca;
- The Dome of the Rock houses a stone on which Abraham supposeldy was about to sacrifice his son "maqama/station/trial of Abraham". The Quran tells us that such place lies "within" the Temple/Shrine as it does in Jerusalem - not "without" as it does in Mecca;
- The Muslism prayed towards Jerusalem since the early days of the prophet and acknowledge it as the "1st Qibla";
- The Quran speaks of "figs and olives" as being associated with the holy shrine. These things are native to Palestine/Jerusalem, not Mecca Arabia;
- The Quran speaks of a "raised ceiling" on the holy shrine. This fits the Dome of the Doem of the Rock, but not the flat roof on Mecca;
- The Dome of the Rock is a building with 8 sides, which corresponds to God's throne being carried by "eight" - no such symbolysim in Mecca;
- The Quran prophecises that the Children of Israel will concur the area of the Temple/Masjid. This has become true of Jerusalem, but will never be true with Mecca.
Regards,