Holy Land facts for kids
The Holy Land is a special area in the Middle East. It is considered very important by the three main Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. This region is generally known as Palestine. For Jews, it is believed that God gave this land to them. For Christians, it is where Jesus was born, died, and came back to life.
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Why the Holy Land is Important to Jews
Jews often call this area the "Land of Israel" (in Hebrew: אֶרֶץ הַקוֹדֵשׁ, Eretz HaKodesh). It is seen as a very holy place.
Since the 1500s, four cities have been especially important for Jews: Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed, and Tiberias. These are known as the "Four Holy Cities". Jerusalem is extra special because it was home to the Temple. Many Jews from around the world wish to be buried in the holy soil of Israel.
According to Jewish tradition, Jerusalem is where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Isaac. The Hebrew Bible mentions "Jerusalem" 669 times. Many religious duties, called mitzvot, can only be done there. The name "Zion", which often means Jerusalem or the Land of Israel, appears 154 times.
The Talmud, a book of Jewish teachings, says it is a religious duty to live in Israel. Buying land there is so important that some rules for Sabbath (the day of rest) can be set aside to help with its purchase and settlement.
Why the Holy Land is Important to Christians
For Christians, the Land of Israel is holy because of its connection to Jesus. This is where he was born, taught, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Christians believe Jesus is their Savior. The land is also important because it was home to his people, the Jews.
Christian books, including Bibles, often show maps of the Holy Land. This area usually includes Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
Today, the term "Holy Land" generally covers modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, western Jordan, and parts of south-western Syria.
Why the Holy Land is Important to Muslims
In the Quran, the holy book of Islam, the term Arabic: الأرض المقدسة (Al-Ard Al-Muqaddasah, meaning "Holy Land") is used. For example, in a passage, Musa (Moses) tells the Children of Israel: "O my people! Enter the holy land which Allah has given you." (Surah 5:21). The Quran also calls the land 'Blessed'.
Jerusalem is especially important in Islam. It is called Al-Quds (Arabic: الـقُـدس), which means "The Holy".
Scholars have different ideas about the exact area called 'blessed' in the Quran. Some say it includes a wide area like Syria and Lebanon. Others describe it as Damascus, Palestine, and parts of Jordan. Some even say it is the area between al-Arish and the Euphrates River. This whole region is often called "Ash-Shām" (Arabic: الـشَّـام).
Why the Holy Land is Important to Bahá'ís
Bahá'ís consider the cities of Acre and Haifa to be sacred. This is because Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, was sent to a prison in Acre in 1868. He lived in this area until he passed away in 1892.
In his writings, Bahá'u'lláh said that the Shrine of the Báb should be built on the side of Mount Carmel. His chosen successor, `Abdu'l-Bahá, built this shrine in 1909. This was the start of the beautiful terraced gardens there. Later leaders continued to build other structures. Today, the Bahá'í World Centre is the spiritual and administrative heart of the religion. Its gardens are very popular for visitors.
The holiest places for Bahá'í pilgrimage are the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in Acre and the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa. Both are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Images for kids
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Olive trees, like this one in Jerusalem, are important symbols in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
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A Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. Many Jews want to be buried in this holy land.
See also
In Spanish: Tierra Santa para niños
