The Conquest of Jerusalem by Muslim forces is a significant historical event that took place in 638 CE (15 AH) during the early Islamic expansions following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. 

Here are the key aspects of the event:

1. Historical Context: After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, the Rashidun Caliphate, under the leadership of the first four caliphs starting with Abu Bakr and then Umar ibn al-Khattab, initiated a series of military campaigns to expand Muslim rule beyond the Arabian Peninsula. These expansions aimed at spreading Islam and consolidating newly established Islamic territories.
2. Jerusalem’s Strategic and Religious Importance: Jerusalem holds significant spiritual and religious importance in Islam, being home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is regarded as the third holiest site in Islam. The city is also of great significance to Judaism and Christianity.
3. Siege and Negotiation: The Muslim forces, led by Commander Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah and other prominent generals, laid siege to the city, which was then under Byzantine control. The siege led to negotiations rather than prolonged conflict. The city’s Christian Patriarch, Sophronius, preferred to surrender peacefully and requested that Caliph Umar himself come to Jerusalem to accept the surrender.
4. Caliph Umar’s Entry: Caliph Umar traveled from Medina to Jerusalem, where he reached an agreement with Sophronius. Umar’s entry is noted for its humility and respect toward the existing religious communities.
5. The Pact of Umar: This pact, attributed to Caliph Umar, established terms for the residents of Jerusalem that guaranteed the protection of their lives, property, and places of worship. It allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and retained many of their churches and religious sites, underscoring a policy of religious tolerance.
6. Significance: The peaceful conquest of Jerusalem is often cited as an example of the early Islamic approach to religious coexistence. It demonstrated the effective integration of diverse religious communities under Islamic governance.
7. Impact on the Region: The acquisition of Jerusalem was part of the broader Islamic conquest of the Levant, which led to the establishment of Muslim rule in regions that were previously part of the Byzantine Empire. It expanded Islam’s reach and influence in a key region of the world.

The Conquest of Jerusalem is a significant event reflecting the early Muslim community’s approach to leadership, justice, and the treatment of non-Muslim communities under their rule.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.