The Importance of the Holy land to Jews, Christians and Muslims
The Biblical definition of the Holy Land:
The name “Holy Land” refers today to a territory that includes the modern State of Israel, the Palestinian territories, parts of Lebanon, Syria and western Jordan.
Jews, Christians, and Muslims regard it as holy because it represents the biblical land of Israel and the region of Palestine.
The Promised Land:
The Holy Land is a small part of the “Promised Land” (small part of the land of Canaan), that was promised by God to give it to Abraham Issac, Jacob and their descendants.
This is where Moses led the Exodus out of Egypt and gave it to the Jews.
Great Video Explains about the Holiness of Jerusalem for the three Monotheistic religions, made by Rick Steves
Israel and Jerusalem importance to the Jews
This is where the Kingdom of Israel and Judah, Where King David built the first Temple, where King Herod built the second Temple that was destroyed by the Romans at 70 AD, which brought to the end of Jewish existence in the Holy Land, and brought the Jewish Diaspora ahat last 2000 years until 1948 and the the establishment of the State of Israel.
The Jewish people hold Jerusalem with great religious significance and treat it as the holiest city and today it is the direction of prayer for Jews from all over the world.
Why is the Holy Land important to Christianity?
For Christians, the Holy Land is valued as this is the place where Jesus ministered physically.
Jesus was born at Bethlehem (Today Palestine), grew up at Nazareth, was Baptized at River Jordan, Preached at Galilee, worshipped the God, Crucified and resurrected at Jerusalem.
Why is the Holy Land important to Muslims?
Muslims meanwhile recognize Jerusalem as the first Qibla, the direction toward which Muslims pray (today Muslims pray toward Mecca).
Jerusalem is where Muhamad visited on his Night Journey and ascended into heaven and was instructed by God-Alla to pray five times a day.
Pilgrimage as a Spiritual experience:
Pilgrims visit the Holy Land to experience spiritual and biblical connections.
They usually have that intense desire to see the places and things that they associate with their faith.
A sense of personal edification is achieved as they experience for themselves what they only read and hear about from their holy book.
- The highlight of the Jews’ visit to Jerusalem is to touch the Western Wall stones that are a remnant of the Temple.
- The highlight of the visit for the Christians is to follow the story of Jesus’ life and to touch the Nativity rock, walk along the Via Dolorosa, and to Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and to touch the stone of Unction and his empty Tomb.
- For Muslims the Highlight is to visit the Temple mount and to pray at Al-Aqsa mosque.
High season for Pilgrimage:
It is for these religious implications that the Holy Land has been host to pilgrimages all year round.
The peak period for visiting Israel and Palestine is in the spring months around April (Passover and Easter).
During the Autumn Starting with Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot.
October which is a peak season for Cruise ships visiting the port of Haifa and Ashdod.
The end of September with Hanukkah and Christmas.
Read more about Hannukah and Christman in the Holy Land: