Summary: Jerusalem is a sacred place in Islam. It is the third holiest shrine, after Mecca and Medina. This is, in part, because of the cityrsquo;s association with important Abrahamic prophets hellip; including Kings David and Solomon as well as Jesus. The three are considered Prophets of Islam. Jerusalem also served as the first North Star of sorts for Muslims ndash; in the beginning it was toward Jerusalem, not Mecca, that Muslims prayed. It was also from Jerusalem, the Temple Mount in fact, that Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to Heaven. There, after consulting many prophets, including Moses, Muhammad asked Allah for the number of times Muslims should pray. From fifty, Allah made them five. The Dome of the Rock, considered one of the holiest sites in Islam, was constructed over the place itrsquo;s believed Muhammad ascended to Heaven. Not far from the Dome sits the al Aqsa Mosque ndash; it too considered among the holiest of places in Islam. Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad led a prayer there with all the messengers and prophets in human history.
