Chapter Twelve
A Collection of Reports on the Virtues of Jerusalem

It is related that ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Umar said: “The sanctuary has the same extent in the seven heavens as it has on earth.”

It is related that Mu‘ādh said: “Allah Most High said: ‘O Jerusalem, you are My chosen place among My lands, and I shall bring to you My chosen servants. Whoever was born in you but prefers another place to you—fa-nadhabt bi-sībihi; whoever was born elsewhere but prefers you to his birthplace does so through mercy from Me.’”

Another report concerning Jerusalem states: “Jerusalem, you are sanctified by your light, and within you My servants will be gathered. Adhqk on the Day of Resurrection, like a bride to her bridal chamber. Whoever enters you will have no need of oil or wheat.”

It is related that Mu‘ādh said: “Allah Most High says to Jerusalem: ‘You are My garden, My holy place, and My chosen place among My lands. Whoever dwells in you does so through mercy from Me; whoever leaves you incurs My wrath.’”

It is related that Wahb said: “The people of Jerusalem are the neighbors of Allah Most High, and it is incumbent upon Allah Most High not to punish His neighbors.”

It is related that Ibn ‘Abbās said: “One of the gates of Paradise stands open, and there comes forth from