Almuhtada.org – Prophet Yusya bin Nun was the leader of the Children of Israel, after they had previously been led by Prophet Musa.
It was during the leadership of Prophet Yusya that Allah gave the Children of Israel a safe and comfortable place to worship Him, namely Baitul Maqdis.
The capture of Baitul Maqdis was not easy; it required struggle and sweat from the Prophet and the Children of Israel. Listen to the story!
Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel
One of the important notes in the history of the capture of Baitul Maqdis is when the Children of Israel first succeeded in entering the land of Palestine after the era of Prophet Musa’s dakwah.
In fact, since the era of Prophet Musa’s dakwah, after Allah saved the Children of Israel from the chasing army of Firaun, Allah commanded the Children of Israel to move to the land of Palestine.
However, when Prophet Musa told the Children of Israel about Allah’s command. It was clear that they were scared and cowardly.
They were afraid of the people who lived in Palestine at that time, who they thought were very strong and cruel.
قَالُوا يَا مُوسَى إِنَّ فِيهَا قَوْمًا جَبَّارِينَ وَإِنَّا لَنْ نَدْخُلَهَا حَتَّى يَخْرُجُوا مِنْهَا فَإِنْ يَخْرُجُوا مِنْهَا فَإِنَّا دَاخِلُونَ
Meaning:
They said, “O Musa, there are people in that land who are very strong and cruel. We will not enter it until they leave. If they leave, we will definitely enter.” (QS. Al-Maidah: 22)
Even worse, when the Children of Israel were asked to fight against that nation, they instead told Prophet Musa to fight alongside Allah to drive out that nation while the Children of Israel just sat and waited.
قَالُوا يَا مُوسَى إِنَّا لَنْ نَدْخُلَهَا أَبَدًا مَا دَامُوا فِيهَا فَاذْهَبْ أَنْتَ وَرَبُّكَ فَقَاتِلَا إِنَّا هَاهُنَا قَاعِدُونَ
Meaning:
They said, “O Musa, we will never enter it as long as they are there. So go, you and your Lord, and fight. We will stay here.” (QS. Al-Maidah: 24)
In the end, through the prayers of Prophet Musa, Allah separated Prophet Musa from the Children of Israel, leaving them confused and lost for 40 years.
They wandered without a permanent place to live. Finally, Allah sent Prophet Yusya’ bin Nun, who led them to enter the land of Palestine.
Prophet Yusha’ bin Nun and the Children of Israel
His full name is Yusha’ bin Nun bin Afaarim bin Yusuf bin Yaqub bin Inshak bin Ibrahim Alaihimussalam (Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah, Ibn Kathir).
He was the successor to the teachings of Prophet Musa AS and Prophet Harun AS after their passing.
The mufassirs mention that Prophet Yusya’ bin Nun was mentioned by Allah in Surah Al-Kahfi as the assistant of Prophet Musa As who accompanied him in searching for fish in the sea before meeting Prophet Khidir As.
After 40 years, the Children of Israel who had previously disobeyed Prophet Musa As were killed by Allah.
Prophet Yusya’ bin Nun then led the Children of Israel to wage jihad to open Baitul Maqdis at that time.
However, Prophet Yusya’ bin Nun only chose the best and most serious people to wage jihad with him.
No one who had ties and love for worldly affairs was allowed to participate in this war.
Those who had just married and had not yet finished their first night, those who were building houses and had not yet finished the roof, or those who were raising goats and cows that were pregnant and were waiting for them to give birth, were not allowed to participate by
Prophet Yusha’ bin Nun. This was done because he wanted the army he brought to be truly serious about jihad for Allah.
The Struggle of Prophet Yusya’ and the Children of Israel
Prophet Yusya’ bin Nun’s army began their attack by traveling to the banks of the Jordan River.
Prophet Yusya’ and the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River, and at that moment, Allah helped the army by opening a path in the Jordan River.
Upon arriving on the other side, they set up camp on the banks of the river while sending scouts to observe the situation in the city of Jericho.
Unfortunately, this was discovered by the Jericho army, who then closed the gates that provided access to the city of Jericho and led to Baitul Maqdis.
As a result, Prophet Yusya’ ordered his army to surround the fortress. The siege lasted for six days.
On the seventh day, Prophet Joshua’s army succeeded in destroying the fortifications around the city of Jericho, which were known to be strong and large.
It was during this attack that Allah granted Prophet Yusya’ a miracle. When the attack reached its peak, and the sun was about to set, Prophet Yusya’ prayed to Allah:
“‘Indeed, you, O sun, are a creature commanded by Allah. I too am a creature commanded by Allah. O Allah, hold back this sun for a moment.’” (Narrated by Ahmad)
Allah’s Help in Returning Baitul Maqdis
Prophet Yusya bin Nun’s prayer was answered by Allah.
That day felt longer because Allah held back the sun from setting before Prophet Yusya and his army succeeded in fully conquering Jericho and Baitul Maqdis.
That day became a historic day for the Children of Israel.
Allah helped them to find a safe and comfortable place to live and a place where they could obey His commands.
Allah told the Children of Israel to enter the Holy Land and Allah allowed them to eat the food available in the Holy Land.
However, this was solely so that they would obey Allah.
Unfortunately, the obedience of the Children of Israel to Allah did not last long.
When Prophet Yusya’ bin Nun died, they returned to being a disobedient nation and turned away from the commands of Allah.
The Children of Israel, also known as the Jewish people, believe that their qibla is located in the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
To this day, Baitul Maqdis remains a holy site for three religions.
Therefore, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is highly protected because it holds special significance for both Muslims and non-Muslims. []Fahdina Dean Yustisia
