Umar ibn al-Khattab, The Conquest of Jerusalem, a Hindu temple and Al-Madani Mosque

 Umar ibn al-Khattab, The Conquest of Jerusalem, a Hindu temple and Al-Madani Mosque

When Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Second Caliph conquered Jerusalem, he could have taken over every inch of the land. Instead, when Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem invited Umar to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, he declined. He feared that if he prayed in the church, it might endanger the church's status as a place of Christian worship. Later Muslims might tear down the church, replacing it with a mosque in his honour. Umar ibn al-Khattab wanted to protect the future of the holiest site of Christianity. 

So, he walked outside and found an empty open space about a hundred feet away from the church and performed his prayer. Today, that space is a mosque, The Mosque of Umar - next to the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

When the Caliph saw the poor state of the Temple Mount, where the holy site of the Jewish community once stood, Umar fell on his knees to clear the refuse and debris that had been left there for hundreds of years. And, when he found out that the Jews had been driven out of their holy land, he ordered his man to look for 80 Jewish family who were willing to repopulate Jerusalem. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s pious act marked a significant turning point in ensuring the Jewish community return to and reside in their holy land. 

The Treaty of Umar - Umar's Assurance, granted non-Muslim residents, including Christians and Jews, protection for their lives, possessions, and places of worship.

So, what can we learn from Umar ibn al-Khattab?

Firstly, we must avoid taking over an established place of worship of those of another faith even when we have the absolute power and authority to do so. Secondly, we must resist building a new place of worship for ourselves over them. Thirdly, we must protect the future of holy sites even when they are not our own. Fourthly, if we want to build a new place of worship for ourselves when faced with such a situation, find an empty and free space not far away without having to touch or disturb the places of worship of others.

When I read about Caliph Umar’s pious act, I recall what the Quran decreed in Chapter 22 verse 40 below,

“ [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allah ." And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” 

What about the proposed relocation of the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple?

What would have been ideal would have been to follow Caliph Umar’s example. This is especially so because we are building a mosque in place of the temple. Furthermore, ironically, the proposed mosque will be named the Madani Mosque. A concept that will bid well with Caliph Umar’s compassionate example and in line with our MADANI concept of practicing a civilised culture that is inclusive and incorporates the interests of all races, religions and regions in the country.

However, it is good that an amicable solution has been agreed. The temple committee has agreed to move to a nearby site.  Additionally, the spot will be gazetted as a permanent site for the temple. 

What about the future?

We need better practices and norms that minimise controversy, hurtful ridicule and unnecessary politicization when faced with these challengers. A Malaysian culture that avoids wounding each other’s hearts. We need to emulate Caliph Umar’s compassionate example. A belief system that emphasises on empathy, caring about the other side and long-term relationships.

We need a process that guarantees the first right of choice or the right of first offer when dealing with similar situations, regardless if it affects a Hindu or Buddhist temple, a mosque, a surau, a church or a gurdwara. In the case of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple’s case, DBKL would have had to offer the temple community the right to purchase the land in 2012 before opening it for sale to anyone else – in this case the Jakel Group. Ample time should have been given to raise the money needed and the price must be kept at a reasonable amount.

Practicing empathy and compassion is the true Malaysian way. We have the example of the century-old Sri Maha Sakthi Mohambigai Amman Temple within Mid Valley Megamall. Kudos to IGB Berhad for prioritising compassion and people over profit! In fact, we witness compassion and empathy on a daily basis in the corporate world. Business owners regardless of race or religious affiliation practice compassion and empathy by ensuring ample and comfortable space for a surau. On a personal note, it was heartfelt when my Chinese clients ask me how best they can improve the surau at their premises and assist their Malay Muslim workers to develop and grow their careers.

“ O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allāh, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of what you do.” Quran 5:8

Thank you, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab for showing us the way of the Quran with your life examples.

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

Penang