The Story of Jerusalem by Sh. Omar Suleiman

Name: The Story of Jerusalem by Sh. Omar Suleiman
Uploaded: 2012-12-11T17:06:31.000Z
Duration: 56 min 49 s

Introduction and Background

The speaker begins by introducing themselves and offering greetings. They share a personal experience of visiting Jordan as a child and discovering the absence of Palestine on the map. The focus is on humanitarianism and the desire for people to live in peace together.

Childhood Experience in Jordan

In 1989, the speaker visited Jordan with their Palestinian refugee parents.

They realized that Palestine was not recognized as a country on the modern-day map.

This discovery raised questions about why millions of people lived in refugee camps on the outskirts of countries.

The speaker's parents emphasized charity and would distribute funds to refugees during their visits.

Exposure to Balata Camp

The speaker shares their exposure to Balata Camp, which is known as the largest refugee camp in the world. They express shock at witnessing people living in dire conditions, including taking shelter in trash cans. This experience deepened their understanding of the plight faced by refugees.

Balata Camp Experience

Balata Camp in Jordan is home to millions of refugees living in extreme poverty.

Witnessing people seeking shade and sleeping in trash cans was a wake-up call for the speaker.

They questioned why these individuals did not have the right to return home or live with dignity.

Challenges at Border Crossing

The speaker recounts their attempt to visit Palestinian territories but faced difficulties at the border crossing between Jordan and Palestine. They describe long waiting times, harassment by soldiers, and limited access granted to Palestinians.

Difficulties at Border Crossing

Despite having no disqualifying factors, attempting to cross from Jordan into Palestinian territories proved challenging.

Waiting times could extend up to two or three days on the bridge.

Harassment by soldiers, including spitting and the presence of dogs, was common.

The speaker questions why Palestinians are denied the right to return home.

Humanizing Each Other

The speaker emphasizes the importance of humanizing one another and viewing struggles as shared human experiences. They advocate for interfaith dialogue and understanding between different communities.

Importance of Humanizing Each Other

It is crucial to view each other's struggles as human struggles rather than specific to a particular group.

Interfaith dialogue can help foster understanding and empathy among different communities.

The speaker encourages their Jewish friends to engage in this process of humanization.

Hope for Peaceful Coexistence

The speaker addresses the common assumption that Muslims, Jews, and Christians cannot live in peace together. They express hope for a future where people from all faiths can peacefully coexist in Jerusalem and embrace their religious heritage.

Hope for Peaceful Coexistence

Despite ongoing debates surrounding Palestine-Israel issues, it is essential to maintain hope for peaceful coexistence.

Jerusalem should serve as a place where people from different faiths can freely practice their beliefs.

The ultimate goal is for all individuals to live harmoniously and honor their respective religious heritages.

The Golden Age of Jewish History under Muslim Rule

This section discusses the historical period when Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived together in peace in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territory.

The Arrival of Omar ibn Khattab to Jerusalem

Under Muslim rule, the Golden Age of Jewish history occurred as Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived together peacefully in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territory.

When Omar ibn Khattab arrived in Jerusalem, there was no bloodshed or fighting. The leaders welcomed him and invited him to take the keys of the city himself.

A welcoming ceremony was organized for Omar ibn Khattab where he was handed the keys of Jerusalem. Leaders from different communities were present, including ambassadors from around the world.

Omar ibn Khattab was known for his justice and had a reputation that preceded him. He was provided with royal treatment during his visit to Jerusalem.

Omar ibn Khattab's Justice and Simplicity

Omar ibn Khattab's justice is well-documented throughout history. He even has a statement in the United Nations Charter about not enslaving someone who is born free.

Omar ibn Khattab was a physically imposing figure, described as a huge man whose feet would touch the ground while sitting on a horse.

During garment distribution among Muslims in Medina, Omar ibn Khattab took two garments instead of one due to his height. This led to questioning from others, but he explained that he needed them stitched together to adequately cover himself.

Opening Jerusalem without Battle

Before heading towards Jerusalem, Omar ibn Khattab consulted the people of Medina to ensure it was a wise decision. He made a deal with his servant to take turns riding and pulling the camel.

As they approached Jerusalem, the servant was on the camel, pulling it while Omar ibn Khattab walked alongside.

The Arrival of Omar ibn Khattab to Jerusalem (Continued)

This section continues discussing Omar ibn Khattab's arrival in Jerusalem and the events surrounding it.

Opening Jerusalem without Battle

Before heading towards Jerusalem, Omar ibn Khattab consulted the people of Medina to ensure it was a wise decision. He made a deal with his servant to take turns riding and pulling the camel.

As they approached Jerusalem, the servant was on the camel, pulling it while Omar ibn Khattab walked alongside.

The transcript does not provide further information beyond this point.

Abu Bakr's Grand Reception

Abu Bakr arrives for his grand reception in the city, but he is covered in mud. Despite this, he insists on walking instead of switching to a horse or hot dog. Abu Bayda becomes upset and advises him to dress appropriately to show his strength as a leader.

Abu Bakr arrives at the red carpet for his grand reception, covered in mud.

Despite being advised to switch to a horse or hot dog, Abu Bakr insists on walking.

Abu Bayda becomes upset and tells him that he has embarrassed them.

Abu Bakr explains that seeking honor through faith is more important than superficial displays.

The Reception and Advice from Abu Bayda

Abu Bayda expresses his disappointment with Abu Bakr's appearance and advises him to dress appropriately for the grand reception. He emphasizes the importance of showing strength as a leader.

Abu Bayda confronts Abu Bakr about embarrassing them with his appearance.

He advises Abu Bakr to dress nicely and show his best clothes.

Abu Bakr responds by explaining that seeking honor through faith is more important than external appearances.

The Mosque of Omar

While visiting the Church of Nativity, the call for prayer comes. The Bishop suggests that Abu Bakr prays inside the church, but he chooses to pray outside to avoid any future claims that it should be converted into a mosque. This decision proves prophetic as a mosque called Masjid al-Khalid is built there centuries later.

While visiting the Church of Nativity, the call for prayer interrupts their tour.

The Bishop suggests that Abu Bakr prays inside the church.

However, fearing future claims of converting it into a mosque, he decides to pray outside instead.

Centuries later, a mosque called Masjid al-Khalid is built at the same location.

The Pact of Omar

Abu Bakr establishes the famous Pact of Omar, which guarantees the rights of all citizens, including Christians and Jews. They are allowed to practice their own faiths and be judged by their own laws.

Abu Bakr establishes the Pact of Omar to ensure the rights of all citizens.

Christians and Jews are allowed to practice their own faiths in peace.

They are also permitted to judge each other according to their own laws.

This demonstrates Abu Bakr's commitment to justice and respect for different religions.

Justice and Religion

Abu Bakr ensures complete justice and honor in Jerusalem by consulting rabbis or priests when dealing with public acts that may go against Christian or Jewish faith. He emphasizes that religion itself is not responsible for violence or war; rather, people manipulate religion for their own purposes.

Abu Bakr consults rabbis or priests when dealing with public acts that may contradict Christian or Jewish faith.

He seeks complete justice and honor in his governance.

Religion itself is not responsible for violence or war; it is manipulated by people for their own purposes.

Abu Bakr's approach highlights his commitment to fairness and understanding among different religious communities.

Dying to Win: Understanding Suicide Bombings

In this section, the speaker discusses the book "Dying to Win" by Robert Pape, which analyzes suicide bombings over the last 100 years. The origins of suicide bombings are traced back to the Japanese kamikazes, who were not motivated by religion. The largest practitioners of suicide bombings today are the Tamil Tigers, a Hindu separatist group. The speaker emphasizes that political strife is the main driver behind suicide bombings and cautions against blaming Islam for these acts.

Origins and Motivations of Suicide Bombings

Suicide bombings have their origins in political strife rather than religious motivations.

The Japanese kamikazes were not driven by religion but were a result of specific circumstances.

The Tamil Tigers, a Hindu separatist group, are currently the largest practitioners of suicide bombings.

Political grievances and minority groups being targeted play a significant role in resorting to suicide bombings.

Understanding Circumstances Behind Suicide Bombings

Blaming Islam alone for suicide bombings is unjustified and oversimplified.

It is important to understand the circumstances behind each incident rather than attributing it solely to religion.

Drawing parallels, Hitler's actions cannot be solely attributed to his belief that Jews were "christ-killers."

The Crusades: A History of Violence

This section delves into the history of the Crusades, specifically focusing on the First Crusade from 1095 to 1099. The speaker highlights how economic hardships in Europe led to religiously motivated violence against various groups such as Jews and Muslims during this period.

Economic Hardship and Persecution

The First Crusade was triggered by economic hardships in Europe.

Jews were among the first victims of the Crusades, with a massacre occurring in Bavaria.

The Crusaders' journey to Jerusalem involved further violence, including the massacre of Mottola in modern-day Syria.

The Crusaders engaged in cannibalism during the massacre of Mottola, demonstrating a lack of humanity.

Religious Justification and Papal Support

Pope Urban II's declaration played a significant role in inciting violence during the Crusades.

The Pope promised forgiveness for past crimes, absolution of sins, and financial support to those who joined the Crusades.

This religious justification provided a convenient excuse for all-out war without conscience or restraint.

Pope Urban II's Letter and Consequences

This section focuses on Pope Urban II's letter that called for the Crusades. The speaker highlights the content of the letter and its impact on motivating individuals to participate in violent acts against non-Christians.

Pope Urban II's Call to Arms

Pope Urban II's letter granted immediate remission of sins to those who fought against pagans.

The letter encouraged Christians to fight against infidels and promised victory in this holy war.

It called upon those who had previously engaged in unjust warfare or served as mercenaries to now fight against barbarians.

Absolution of Sins and Consequences

Those who joined the Crusades were absolved of their sins and offered financial support for their families.

The absence of conscience led to brutal acts such as burning Christians alive in Eastern Churches during the conquest of Jerusalem.

These summaries are based on specific sections from the transcript.

The Misuse of Religion for Violence

In this section, the speaker discusses how religion has been misused as a tool to manipulate people and incite violence. They highlight an example from history where religion was used during the First Crusade to justify attacks on Muslims.

Religion as a Manipulative Tool

Religion has been used as a means to manipulate people and justify violence.

During the First Crusade in 1099, over 700,000 people were killed.

Raymond, an Italian leader, attacked pilgrims who were going for Hajj and even plotted to desecrate the body of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a sign of humiliation towards Muslims.

Nora Dean, mentor of Salahuddin Saladin, foiled the plot by uncovering two men posing as pious Muslims.

Salahuddin Saladin's Mercy and Honor

This section focuses on Salahuddin Saladin's display of mercy and honor during his conquest of Jerusalem. It contrasts the portrayal of Muslims in Hollywood movies with the historical reality.

Kingdom of Heaven Movie Misrepresentation

Movies like "Kingdom of Heaven" often misrepresent historical events such as the Crusades.

The romantic subplot in these movies is fictionalized and not based on true events.

Fox News criticized "Kingdom of Heaven" for portraying Muslims favorably.

Salahuddin Saladin's Kindness and Mercy

Salahuddin Saladin displayed exceptional kindness, honor, and dignity during his conquest of Jerusalem.

He conquered Jerusalem without seeking revenge or harming Christians or Jews living there.

On the same day he conquered Jerusalem, which coincided with an important event in Islamic history (Prophet Muhammad's return to Mecca), he chose mercy over revenge.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also demonstrated mercy when he returned to Mecca after facing persecution.

Saladin's Actions in Jerusalem

This section highlights Salahuddin Saladin's actions upon entering Jerusalem, including ensuring safety for all and calling for the return of expelled Jewish populations.

Safety and Inclusion in Jerusalem

Upon entering Jerusalem, Salahuddin Saladin assured the people that they would be safe.

He called for the return of Jews who had been expelled from Jerusalem and facilitated their resettlement.

Historically documented sources confirm these actions, not just Muslim sources.

Ransom and Reconciliation

Salahuddin Saladin ransomed every single Crusader captured during his conquest.

The ransom price was 10 dinars for men, 5 dinars for women, and 1 dinar for children.

These acts demonstrate Salahuddin's commitment to reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

The transcript provided does not cover the entire video.