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THE__JEWS__OF__MEDINA, page : 42
chosen by Allah for Muslims to face during prayer and not on account of human action.
"… We did not change the direction that you were facing
except that We might know who followed the Messenger
from him who turned on both his heels.
Though it was a hardship except for those whom Allah has guided.
Allah is Gentle with people, the Most Merciful."
Koran 2:143
Without a doubt, Islam acknowledges the significance of Jerusalem as a very Holy site
and the changing of the direction of prayer was by no means to demean Jerusalem. But
to the Jews, Jerusalem was not just a Holy place it had become an important status
symbol which served to enhance their racial prestige.
Soon after, the Jews dormant resentment of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam)
and the Message given to him by Allah began to surface more forcefully because it was
their contention that they alone were the indisputable chosen people of Allah and that if
"… We did not change the direction that you were facing
except that We might know who followed the Messenger
from him who turned on both his heels.
Though it was a hardship except for those whom Allah has guided.
Allah is Gentle with people, the Most Merciful."
Koran 2:143
Without a doubt, Islam acknowledges the significance of Jerusalem as a very Holy site
and the changing of the direction of prayer was by no means to demean Jerusalem. But
to the Jews, Jerusalem was not just a Holy place it had become an important status
symbol which served to enhance their racial prestige.
Soon after, the Jews dormant resentment of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam)
and the Message given to him by Allah began to surface more forcefully because it was
their contention that they alone were the indisputable chosen people of Allah and that if