Ibn Hajar said, “In Ibn Uyaynah’s tafsīr, Ibn Abbas is reported to have said, ‘Whoever doubts that the place of gathering is here—that is, the Levant—should read the opening of Sūrat al-Hashr (The Gathering). On that day, the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said to them, “Leave.” They asked, “Where to?” He replied, “To the Land of Gathering.”’” (1).

The reason the Levant is the Land of Gathering is that, when tribulations erupt at the end of time, security and faith will be found there.

Authentic hadiths have been related concerning its merits and encouraging people to reside there. Among them is the report narrated by Imam Ahmad from Abū al-Dardā, who said that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “While I was asleep, I saw the pillar of the Book being lifted from beneath my head. I thought it was being taken away, so I followed it with my gaze, and it was carried to the Levant. Indeed, when tribulations erupt, faith will be in the Levant” (2).

Al-Tabarānī narrated from Abdullah ibn Hawālah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “On the night I was taken on the Night Journey, I saw a white pillar resembling a banner, carried by the angels. I asked, ‘What are you carrying?’ They replied, ‘The pillar of the Book. We have been commanded to set it in the Levant’” (3).

Abū Dāwūd narrated through his chain of transmission from Abdullah ibn Hawālah—may Allah be pleased with him—who said that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Matters will eventually reach the point where you will be organized into separate armies: an army in the Levant, an army in Yemen, and an army in Iraq.” Ibn Hawālah said, “Choose for me, O Messenger of Allah