WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MASJID AL-AQSA? (LESSON 18)

Delivered by Mufti Adam Esmail at Masjid al Falaah on Sunday 15th October 2023

The occupations by the Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks | before the era of Prophet Isa عليه السلام

The Kingdom of Judah outlasted the Northern Kingdom of Israel for many years. This endurance might be attributed to its proximity to Jerusalem, which made it more devout due to its closeness to the sacred region. However, as decades passed, subsequent generations strayed from divine commands. The Bani Israil, the ruling class in Jerusalem, required a significant awakening before the divine law of replacement took effect.

The Babylonians occupy Jerusalem and exile the Bani Israil to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded the Kingdom of Judah and subsequently entered Jerusalem in 586 BC. He demolished the city and burnt Masjid Al-Aqsa. Following the customs of rulers during that time, he exiled the ruling Bani Israil to Babylon, in present-day Iraq.

Extensive Jewish literature from this period exists, with many chapters of the present-day Torah written in Babylon after the original Torah was lost when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians.

Nebuchadnezzar subjected the Canaanite Arabs remaining in Jerusalem to direct Babylonian rule. Influenced by their new rulers, the Canaanite Arabs drifted from monotheism as paganism re-entered their beliefs.

The Persians occupy Jerusalem and permit the Jews to return
In 539 BC, the Persians overran Babylon. Rapidly dismantling the Babylonian empire, they asserted their dominance over the region. Cyrus the Great allowed the Banu Israil to return to Jerusalem, ruling on behalf of the Persian Empire. Recognising their historical ties and seeing them as a compliant minority, he granted them limited religious and political authority. This was especially so when compared to the larger Arab presence in the region. While many Bani Israil returned to Jerusalem, their numbers were smaller than those who had been exiled.

Biblical sources mention that some still adhered to Islam during this period. They filled Masjid Al-Aqsa with prayers and worship. With religious and restricted political authority over they the city, and the subjugated Arab majority, they essentially acted as representatives of the Persian government. Consequently, the Bani Israil during this period, can be likened to agents of the occupiers.

The Greeks occupy Jerusalem
Around 330 BC, Alexander the Great of Macedon extended his realm to the region and Jerusalem. For nearly two hundred and fifty years, the city bore a Greek influence. This era in Jerusalem was marked by internal conflicts among the Greeks and successive unsuccessful uprisings led by some Bani Israil, such as the revolt of Judas Maccabee, aiming for independence.

SUMMARY OF LESSON 18

☆ Babylonian Occupation (586 BC): King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Jerusalem, exiling the Bani Israil to Babylon. This led to the writing of many chapters of the present-day Torah in Babylon and the drift of Canaanite Arabs towards paganism under Babylonian influence.

☆ Persian Rule (539 BC): After conquering Babylon, Cyrus the Great of Persia permitted the Bani Israil to return to Jerusalem with limited religious and political authority. They essentially acted as representatives of the Persian government in the city.

☆ Greek Influence (c. 330 BC): Alexander the Great brought Jerusalem under Greek control. The city experienced Greek cultural influence, internal conflicts, and uprisings led by some Bani Israil factions, like the revolt of Judas Maccabee.

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