Chapter Two
On Undertaking a Journey to Jerusalem

The merit of building and lighting its sanctuary; where to enter Jerusalem and its mosque; and the merit of visiting Bethlehem and praying there.

Maymūnah—may Allah be pleased with her—said: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell us about Jerusalem.” He replied:

“It is the land of resurrection and gathering. Go there and pray, for a prayer there is like a thousand prayers.”

She said, “What if we cannot undertake the journey and go there?” He replied:

“Then let one send oil to be burned in its lamps, for whoever sends it is like one who prays there.”

Reported by al-Qazwīnī in the chapter on lighting the lamps of Jerusalem.

Kaʿb—may Allah be pleased with him—related: When Solomon finished building the sanctuary in Jerusalem, he placed the sacrificial offering in the mosque’s courtyard, then stood upon the Rock. After praising and extolling Allah, he said:

“O Allah, I ask You to grant five things to whoever enters this mosque: that no sinner should enter it, having come solely to seek repentance, without Your accepting him, turning to him in forgiveness, and forgiving him; and that no fearful person should enter it, having come solely in search of