MHZ:
Jerusalem, Ir Salem, City of Peace, is probably the least peaceful city in the history of the known universe, though it is fair to suggest that even the most outrageous Islamic scholar would be compelled to concede that Jerusalem was Jerusalem by both the Jews and the Christians, several centuries before the invention of Islam.
Also, though Jerusalem was on the trade routes, more so than Mecca and Medina, your quote job does confirm, however distasteful to you, that the city was of no religious significance to Islam until it was cleverly linked with Mohamed's ascendancy, by Caliph Umar, several years after the death of the Prophet.
Otoh, as Mohamed conceded that he was the 3rd prophet, after those of the Jews and the Christians, it could be said with logic twisted true to form that anything holy to those two religions must by implication be holy to Islam...therefore, Jerusalem has always been a Muslim holy place, even before the advent of Islam. Gosh!
Also, mildly surprised that you include the last paragraph in your quote, claiming that Muslims have an obligation to honour other religions, considering the clear and unambiguous statement of intent from their holiest of holy clerics and secular leaders.
keda


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