al-Ard al-Muqaddasa fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna
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- al-Ard al-Muqaddasa fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna
al-Ard al-Muqaddasa fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna (The Holy Land in Light of the Book and the Sunnah) is a religious work by Hasan Abu al-Ashbal al-Zuhayri addressing the merits, theological standing, and eschatological role of Greater Syria (al-Sham) and Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis) based on scriptural evidence .
Scope and Structure
The work comprises four sequential parts delivering a thematic exploration of the holy territory:
- Part One: Explores the religious significance of protecting Jerusalem and al-Sham, defining the geographic scope of al-Sham as encompassing Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, and elaborating on its distinct sanctity alongside Mecca and Medina . It enumerates scriptural merits, quoting Quranic verses that reference the blessed land in connection with prophetic figures—including Ibrahim, Lut, Musa, Dawud, and Sulayman—as well as the historic land passage of the people of Saba .
- Part Two: Focuses specifically on the virtues of Bayt al-Maqdis, its connection to the prophets, its status as the destination of the Prophet Muhammad's night journey (al-Isra), and its place as the first qibla .
- Part Three: Details prophetic traditions regarding the characteristics of the believers who assemble in al-Sham during the end times, as well as the major events prophesied to unfold within its territory .
- Part Four: Addresses the state of the Muslim community, calling for the mobilization of resources, unity against aggression, and adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah according to the methodology of the pious predecessors (al-Salaf al-Salih), highlighting the responsibility of scholars and callers .
Themes and Methodology
The author structures his discussion around textual evidence, asserting that determining the merit or blameworthiness of any land requires scriptural proof from the Quran and the Sunnah . He draws upon classical sources and authorities, including Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Ibn al-Faqih (from Kitab al-Buldan), Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam, Ibn Taymiyyah (from Manaqib al-Sham wa-Ahlih), Ibn Rajab, and Ibn Kathir .
The text details fourteen distinct virtues and attributes of al-Sham based on prophetic reports:
- Divine blessing and angelic protection: Supported by traditions stating that angels spread their wings over al-Sham .
- Chosen status of the land and its dwellers: Based on hadiths designating al-Sham as God's chosen land where He gathers His select servants .
- God's guarantee: God guaranteeing the safeguarding of al-Sham and its inhabitants, with historical illustration given through the repelling of the Crusader and Tatar invasions .
- The pillar of Islam: The vision reported by the Prophet Muhammad indicating that the pillar of the Book and faith would be established in al-Sham during periods of tribulation .
- A benchmark for the Ummah: The righteousness of the people of al-Sham serving as a gauge for the righteousness or corruption of the wider Muslim nation .
- Prophetic supplication: The Prophet's explicit prayer of blessing for al-Sham and Yemen .
- Recommendation to reside there: Hadiths advising Muslims to take up residence in al-Sham .
- Permanent frontier and ribat: Status of the territory as a station for frontline defense (ribat) and jihad until the Day of Resurrection .
- Destination of migration: The continuity of migration (hijrah) to the land of Ibrahim's migration up to the end of time .
- Abode of the Victorious Group: The presence of the Victorious Group (al-taifah al-mansurah) in al-Sham, particularly in eschatological times .
- Abundance of martyrs: The martyrdom associated with historical plagues such as the plague of Amwas (Taaun Amwas), in which figures like Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Muadh ibn Jabal, and Shurahbil ibn Hasana died .
- The base of believers during the Great Battle: Damascus and the Ghouta serving as the rallying ground (fustat) of Muslims during the epic eschatological conflict (al-Malhama al-Kubra) .
- Survival after other lands fall to ruin: The flourishing of Bayt al-Maqdis preceding the descent of Isa ibn Maryam by the white minaret east of Damascus to slay the False Messiah (al-Masih al-Dajjal) .
- The land of gathering and resurrection: Al-Sham serving as the site of gathering (al-mahshar) and resurrection (al-manshar) .
Throughout the work, the author also incorporates personal reflections from his own stay of nearly seven years in al-Sham, critiques contemporary political peace initiatives regarding Palestine, and advocates the educational methodology of "purification and cultivation" (al-tasfiyah wa-l-tarbiyah) through adherence to sound traditions .
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