Why Jerusalem Should Be the Capital of Palestine When Mecca Is Not the Capital of Saudi Arabia

Forget the mountains of words and ink, and the considerable air time that has been wasted on this topic. Jerusalem is now the capital of Israel, an official status that is currently unaltered by any historical or future political endeavors. In the forward-looking perspective, an old or entirely new foreign state might attempt to claim Jerusalem. However, good luck to those who might try to wrest it away from Israel.

Additionally, Lebanon has its capital in Beirut. What does the selection of Riyadh as KSA's capital have to do with Palestinians and their cities? The comparison of Mecca and Jerusalem as capitals is indeed an odd one, keeping in view the historical importance and role of both cities.

The Historical Significance of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, a city that boasts an ancient history, is significantly more important in terms of political and religious significance compared to Mecca. Let's delve into the historical importance of Jerusalem.

The First Settler and Early Governance

According to archaeological surveys, the first ever settlement in Jerusalem dates back to 4500-3500 BC. Jerusalem served as the capital for the first time during the kingdom of the prophet and king David, which included the regions of present-day Israel, Palestine, and Mesopotamia. During the reign of King Solomon, the capital of his kingdom was also Jerusalem, where he constructed his significant Temple. This period in history positioned Jerusalem as a crucial center for both political and religious purposes. After the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, Jerusalem remained the capital of the Kingdom of Judah for the next 400 years.

The Roman Era and Christian Significance

During the Roman Empire, Jerusalem again held significance as the temporary capital for some time. It is of paramount importance in Christianity, being the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the site of his crucifixion. The city maintained its religious and political prominence until the Arab-Israel conflict brought renewed attention to the city. The declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has once again thrust it into the spotlight.

The Historical Significance of Mecca

On the other hand, Mecca, while significant in Islamic history, has never been a political capital in any significant sense. The city's first ever settlement, as per Islamic sources, was made by Prophet Ishmael and his family. Tracing the lineage through Ishmael, the descendants of the family carried out normal activities of life, mainly due to the lack of water and harsh weather conditions. Mecca was never able to transform into a city like Jerusalem or play a significant political role, even as the capital of any provincial administration.

Religious Significance

The primary importance of Mecca has always been its religious significance, serving as a religious site where Arabs would come to worship during a few months of the year. The people who came were mainly small-scale traders, nomads, or poor. It is also considered the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad, who conquered the city in the 10th year of Hijri. However, contrary to the expectations of many, Mecca was never made his capital, and it remained so until the Arab revolt against the Ottomans in the 20th century. Since then, Mecca has retained its sacred and religious identity, playing no significant political role.

Current Situations and Comparisons

The comparison between Mecca and Jerusalem is often a subject of scrutiny, especially when it comes to discussions of capital cities and national identities. For instance, while Mecca serves a fundamental religious role, its political significance is far less notable. Mecca's position as a capital city is not comparable to Jerusalem's status, given Jerusalem's extensive historical and contemporary importance, both politically and spiritually.

Given the rich history and cultural significance of both cities, it is essential to recognize and respect their distinct roles in their respective regions and the world. While Mecca serves as the spiritual heart of Islam, Jerusalem remains a symbol of political and religious unity for Palestine. Understanding these differences can help foster a more inclusive and respectful dialogue between the various communities involved.

Discussing the capital status of Jerusalem in the context of Mecca's non-capital status provides a valuable lesson in the diverse and complex nature of national and religious identities. It serves as a reminder to approach such topics with nuance and understanding, rather than with oversimplified or misplaced comparisons.