Muslim Conquest of Jerusalem (637 CE)

Definition

The Muslim Conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE marked the significant military campaign led by the Rashidun Caliphate, resulting in the capture of Jerusalem from Byzantine control. This event was pivotal in shaping the religious and political landscape of the Holy Land, establishing Islamic governance and influence in the region, particularly impacting the status of sacred sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The conquest was led by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who negotiated a peaceful surrender with the city's Byzantine defenders.
2. Upon capturing Jerusalem, Umar ensured religious tolerance for Christians and Jews, allowing them to continue practicing their faiths.
3. The Dome of the Rock was later built on the Temple Mount, further solidifying Islamic presence in the city.
4. The conquest established Jerusalem as a significant religious center for Muslims, alongside Mecca and Medina.
5. This event initiated a long period of Islamic rule over Jerusalem that lasted for centuries and influenced subsequent Christian pilgrimages and military campaigns.

Review Questions

• What were the immediate consequences of the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE for its religious communities?
  • The immediate consequences included a shift in political control from the Byzantine Empire to the Rashidun Caliphate. Muslims established governance while allowing Christians and Jews to maintain their religious practices under protective agreements. This created an environment of relative religious tolerance, which contrasted sharply with previous Byzantine policies, fostering a coexistence that would shape interfaith relations in Jerusalem for generations.
• How did the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem impact the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and its significance to Christians?
  • Following the conquest, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remained a vital Christian pilgrimage site. The Muslim authorities, particularly Caliph Umar, respected its sanctity and allowed Christians to worship freely. However, this period also set a precedent for future conflicts over control and access to this key site, as various powers sought to assert dominance over Jerusalem's religious landmarks throughout history.
• Evaluate how the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem influenced subsequent interactions between Islamic and Christian powers throughout history.
  • The Muslim conquest set off a series of interactions characterized by both cooperation and conflict. It established Jerusalem as a contested space between Islam and Christianity, leading to events such as the Crusades in the late 11th century. This dynamic not only fueled military campaigns but also cultural exchanges between these civilizations. The importance of Jerusalem continued to grow as a symbol of faith and power for both Muslims and Christians, influencing diplomatic relations and shaping historical narratives around religious identity.

Related terms

Caliphate: A form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

Byzantine Empire: The continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, which was predominantly Christian and held Jerusalem prior to the Muslim conquest.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre: A Christian holy site located in Jerusalem, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, and its status was significantly affected by the Muslim conquest.