The Names and Virtues of Bayt al-Maqdis: A Historical, Religious, and Civilizational Analytical Study

Abstract

Names and Significance of Bayt al-Maqdis in Historical Context, examines the religious importance of the region of Palestine and the city of Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) through a historical and etymological analysis of its various names. The study's primary objective is to investigate the factors that contribute to the sanctity of the land and to trace the origins, meanings, and evolution of the city's names as documented in religious and historical texts.

The methodology involves a comprehensive review of sources, including the Quran, Hadith, Old and New Testaments, and scholarly works. The article argues that the land's blessed status is a divinely ordained attribute, primarily due to its central role in the history of numerous Prophets. A key finding is the progression of the city's names, starting with its oldest known name, Yabus (Jebus), derived from its initial inhabitants. The study further traces the evolution through names such as Madinah Dawud (City of David), Sihyon (Zion), Shalim, and the widely recognized Urshalim (Jerusalem). The research also details the influence of occupying powers, such as the Romans, who renamed the city Ilia Capitolina, which later became Ilia. The paper concludes that these names are not merely historical identifiers but are deeply intertwined with the city’s religious and historical significance across the three Abrahamic faiths, reflecting its enduring status as a spiritual focal point. The term "Bayt al-Maqdis" is identified as a revered title for Masjid al-Aqsa that eventually came to be used for the entire city.