The Islamic History of Palestine – London

The Islamic History of Palestine

London, UK

Sunday, 11th February, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1JX

Sheikh Dr. Uthman Lateef

12 yrs – 16 yrs old need to be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

Embark on an enlightening journey to uncover the depth and richness of Palestine’s history and significance within Islamic teachings. This course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating history of Palestine, uncovering its spiritual, cultural, and historical significance in the Islamic world. Participants will leave with a profound appreciation for the rich heritage of this sacred land and a deeper understanding of its enduring importance.

Key topics covered in this course include:

  • Introduction: Surah al-Tin and the Sacredness of the Location. The role of these sites in shaping the history of Palestine.
  • The Command to Prophet Musa (AS) and the Canaanites in Jerusalem: Analyzing the divine command to Prophet Musa (AS) to liberate Jerusalem. The refusal of Bani Israil and its consequences.
  • Yusha bin Nun and the Victory in Jerusalem: Examining the leadership of Yusha bin Nun in the conquest of Jerusalem. Understanding the significance of this victory
  • Talut’s Appointment as King and the Ark of the Covenant: Delving into the appointment of Talut as King. The historical and religious importance of the Ark of the Covenant.
  • Prophets Dawud and Sulayman: The Blessed Land in Quranic Paradigm. Understanding the role of Prophets Dawud and Sulayman in the history of Palestine. Exploring the Quranic perspective on the “blessed land”.
  • Roman Empire, Hanna, Maryam, and Prophet Isa (AS): Tracing the influence of the Roman Empire on the region. The significance of Hanna, Maryam, and the birth of Prophet Isa in Palestinian history.
  • Constantine, Monastic Orders, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Examining the era of Constantine and its impact on religious sites. The role of monastic orders and the establishment of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
  • Umar’s Entrance: Justice and Convivencia. Exploring the era of Umar’s entrance and the principles of justice. Understanding the concept of “Convivencia” and coexistence in Palestine.
  • The Crusades: A comprehensive look at the Crusades and their impact on the region.
  • Genesis, Al-Andalus, and Papal Encyclicals: Tracing the historical connections between Palestine, Al-Andalus, and papal encyclicals
  • First Crusade and Jerusalem in Christian Sacred Memory: Analyzing the First Crusade and the Christian Sacred Memory of Jerusalem.
  • First Muslim Responses and al-Sulami’s Text: Examining the initial Muslim responses to the Crusades. The importance of al-Sulami’s text in shaping Muslim perspectives.
  • Early Efforts: IlGhazi, Qilij Arsalan, and the Reconquest of Jerusalem Plan: Exploring the early efforts to reclaim Jerusalem. The strategies and plans of IlGhazi and Qilij Arsalan.
  • Nur al-Din and the Reconquest of Jerusalem: Understanding the role of Nur al-Din in the reconquest of Jerusalem. The process of Islamification of Quds (Jerusalem).
  • Merits of Jerusalem texts/authors/dissemination: Salah al-Din and reconquest and Islamification of Quds.
  • Ottoman Jerusalem: Sulayman al-Qanuni and Architectural Marvels. Examining the Ottoman era in Jerusalem, with a focus on Sulayman al-Qanuni. The architectural achievements and reconstructions during this period.
  • WWI, British Mandate, Nakba, and Occupation: Tracing the historical events of World War I, the British Mandate, the Nakba, and the subsequent occupation of Palestine.
  • The Promise of Allah: Reflecting on the enduring promise of Allah regarding the land of Palestine and its significance in Islamic tradition.

Exalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām to al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”

[Surah Al-Isra, 17: 1]

What You Will Learn

  • Cultivate a Love for Palestine and Masjid al-Aqsa: Nurture a deep appreciation and love for the land of Palestine as a whole, recognizing its beauty, its people, its history and relevance in Qur’anic and Prophetic outlook.
  • Gain In-depth Knowledge: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of Palestine, its historical context, Prophets who lived there and the valuing of a rich Islamic history – focusing on key Qur’anic verses pertaining to al-Quds, enabling you to explore the verses with depth and insight.
  • Interpretation Skills: Develop the ability to apply historical and contextual understanding to events surrounding Palestine.
  • Cultivate Spiritual Reflection: Engage in reflective practices to deepen your spiritual connection with Palestine, Jerusalem, and Masjid al-Aqsa.
  • Moral and Ethical Understanding: Explore the moral and ethical teachings around Islamic justice and how these figured particularly in the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab in Jerusalem and the life of Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, namely justice, bravery, mercy, and social responsibility, and learn how to apply them in personal and societal contexts.
  • Contemporary Relevance: Explore the timeless relevance of Palestine in the modern world, examining contemporary issues and challenges faced by individuals, campaigners and the Muslim ummah.
  • Character Development: Foster personal growth and character development by understanding the dangers of othering, dehumanisation, and the important place of empathy in conflict and human suffering.

Sheikh Dr. Uthman Lateef

Dr. Uthman Lateef, a Senior Researcher and Instructor at Sapience Institute, holds a BA in History, an MA in Crusader Studies, and a PhD focusing on the ‘Merits of Jerusalem’ in Muslim efforts during the Crusades. His book, ‘The Cutting Edge of the Poet’s Sword: Muslim Poetic Responses to the Crusades,’ was published by Brill in 2018. Dr. Latiff has delivered papers internationally and conducted postdoctoral research in Politics and International Relations, exploring war media’s impact on US identity. His recent works include ‘Characteristics of the Caller,’ offering a unique perspective on the qualities a dawah carrier should possess. A lecturer and teacher at Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre, Slough, Dr. Lateef is a sought-after speaker at mosques and universities in the UK and globally.

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