Palestine

Islam holds a central and deeply rooted place in the history, culture, and identity of Palestine. Here’s an overview:

1. Early Introduction of Islam:

  • Islam reached Palestine in 636 CE during the time of the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, after the Battle of Yarmouk, which resulted in Muslim control over the region previously ruled by the Byzantine Empire.
  • Caliph Umar personally visited Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and signed the famous “Covenant of Umar” ensuring protection for Christian inhabitants and their churches.

2. Religious Significance:

  • Palestine is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
  • Al-Aqsa is believed to be the site of the Isra and Mi’raj (the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to the heavens).
  • Hebron (Al-Khalil) is also significant for Muslims due to the presence of the Ibrahimi Mosque, built over the tomb of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), revered in Islam.

3. Muslim Demographics:

  • Today, around 85-90% of Palestinians are Sunni Muslims, making Islam the majority religion.
  • A small number of Shi’a Muslims and other Islamic sects are present but not in significant numbers.
  • There are also Christian and Samaritan minorities in the region.

4. Islamic Culture and Society:

  • Islamic traditions heavily influence daily life, law, customs, and social practices in Palestinian territories, especially in cities like Gaza, Nablus, Hebron, and East Jerusalem.
  • Islamic holidays such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are widely observed.
  • Islamic education is integrated into public and private schooling.

5. Political Role of Islam:

  • Various Islamic political movements exist, the most notable being Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip. Its ideology is rooted in Islamic principles.
  • Other Palestinian factions, like Fatah, are more secular but still acknowledge Islam as a cultural backbone.

6. Challenges and Modern Developments:

  • The Israeli occupation and restrictions, especially around Al-Aqsa Mosque, deeply affect the religious life of Muslims in Palestine.
  • Access to sacred Islamic sites is a major flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Despite hardships, Islamic charities, schools, and religious institutions continue to play an important role in Palestinian society.

7. International Importance:

  • The question of Muslim access to Al-Aqsa Mosque draws concern from the entire Islamic world.
  • Palestine remains central in Muslim solidarity movements globally, due to the religious and political status of Jerusalem.

Palestine
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .ps
Country Code: +970