A special book, forthcoming in February 2021
A Publication of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF)
in partnership with the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS)
in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Jerusalem, viewed by many as the ultimate religious battleground, has itself always wanted to be a city of profound peace. Political regimes come and go, armies invade and then retreat, embassies are established and then relocated – but Jerusalem will abide in the human heart forever as central to culture, history, identity, and spirituality. This timely and unique volume contains 12 important essays by Palestinian Muslims of various geographic and professional backgrounds sharing their intimate experiences in and reflections on Jerusalem. Their contributions – genuine, learned, profound – faithfully address the Muslim stake in Jerusalem as well as its universal meaning.
Why is the Holy City of Jerusalem cherished by billions of people as unique, precious, and irreplaceable?
Why must the three Abrahamic faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism all share Jerusalem?
Why do Muslims embrace Jerusalem as their third holiest place after Mecca and Medina?
Why do Palestinian Muslims and Christians unite their voices in support of East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine and what must we do to sustain our commitment?
Why are we all in our own way obligated to protect and serve Jerusalem’s promise by preserving it for all people everywhere?
The Holy City belongs to humanity – to all those who aspire, seek, and pursue a higher calling in its hallowed ground – and it should remain so, as long as the mountains and the seas endure. These are the primary goals ofWhat Jerusalem Means to Us: Muslim Perspectives and Reflectionshttps://tinyurl.com/y38kckzj . The companion volume, What Jerusalem Means to Us: Christian Perspectives and Reflections https://tinyurl.com/y2jf59yh, was published in 2018 and received praise from a diverse readership. The two volumes complement each other beautifully.
The new book’s Foreword is written by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In it, he endorses the book’s underlying vision and insights:
“Mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are essential prerequisites for a lasting peace. The status quo is simply untenable. Jerusalem is a shared gift, not the sole property of one government or one people.”
In addition to highlighting the Muslim dimensions of Jerusalem, What Jerusalem Means to Us: Muslim Perspectives and Reflections is a true expression of our commitment to Jerusalem and its inhabitants. We urge people of good will – Muslims and others – to advocate for maintaining the city as an inclusive center of faith and for preserving its Status Quo.
Order your copy of What Jerusalem Means to Us: Muslim Perspectives and Reflections at
