Jerusalem and the Advent; Why Is Jerusalem the Epicenter of the Final Battle Between Truth and Falsehood?
The City That Stitched the Heavens Together
Among all the cities of the world, none has been as deeply intertwined with sacred history, global politics, and eschatological prophecy as “Jerusalem” (Bayt al-Maqdis). It is a city that is the holiest site on earth for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. A city where Prophet Abraham (AS) stood in worship, where Prophet David (AS) ruled, where Prophet Solomon (AS) built the Temple, where Prophet Jesus (AS) ascended to the heavens, and from where the Noble Prophet (PBUH) ascended to the heavens during the Night Journey (Mi’raj). Yet today, in 2026, this sacred city has become the epicenter of an unprecedented crisis. On one side, the Zionist regime, with the unconditional backing of the United States, seeks to fully Judaize the city and demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque. On the other, the Axis of Islamic Resistance—from Iran to Yemen and Lebanon—regards this city as the beating heart of the struggle against arrogance. The fundamental question is: Why has Jerusalem occupied such a central place in eschatological traditions? And how will this city become the arena of the final battle between truth and falsehood prior to the advent of the Promised Savior?
The Status of Jerusalem in the Quran and Islamic Traditions
The Holy Quran, in the very first verse of Surah Al-Isra, clearly mentions Jerusalem, calling it “Al-Masjid al-Aqsa” (the Farthest Mosque): “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed…” (17:1). This verse not only narrates the miracle of the Prophet’s Night Journey but establishes the special status of Al-Aqsa Mosque as a “blessed land.” Great exegetes, including Allama Tabatabai in Al-Mizan, have interpreted this blessing as encompassing material and spiritual, historical and eschatological dimensions.
But in the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), the status of Jerusalem is far beyond a mere holy place. In authentic Shi’a sources, including Bihar al-Anwar by Allama Majlisi, Kamal al-Din by Shaykh Saduq, and Al-Ghaybah by Shaykh Tusi, Jerusalem is introduced as one of three locations to which God Almighty has granted the greatest attention. Imam Sadiq (AS) states in a narration: “God Almighty chose three cities: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.” But even more astonishing is the deep connection between Jerusalem and the advent of Imam Mahdi (AS). In many narrations, including those related to “Sufyani” and the “final battle,” Jerusalem is introduced as the last stronghold of falsehood and the first place where the banner of truth will be raised.
Sufyani and the March on Jerusalem; A Prophecy Being Fulfilled
In Islamic traditions, “Sufyani” is introduced as one of the definite signs of the Advent. According to narrations recorded in Kitab al-Fitan by Nu’aym ibn Hammad and Bihar al-Anwar, Sufyani, after dominating the Levant (modern-day Syria), dispatches a massive army toward Jerusalem. But midway, in the region of “Bayda” (between Mecca and Medina), his army is swallowed by the earth and destroyed. This narration, transmitted in both Shi’a and Sunni sources through multiple chains, demonstrates the pivotal role of Jerusalem in the end-time battles.
Today, in 2026, we are witnessing the gradual fulfillment of this prophecy. The Zionist regime—which many contemporary scholars identify as the embodiment of “Sufyani”—with the backing of America and the West, has committed unprecedented atrocities not only in Jerusalem but across all the occupied territories. From the demolition of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Judaization of the city, to the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, all point to the futile attempt to gain complete control over this sacred land. But as the Holy Quran has promised: “And We have already written in the Psalms after the mention that the land will be inherited by My righteous servants” (21:105).
Jerusalem in the Abrahamic Faiths; A Shared Expectation for a Savior
What is particularly noteworthy is that the expectation for the advent of a savior is intertwined with Jerusalem not only in Islam but also in Judaism and Christianity. Jews await the “Mashiach” (the anointed one) who will appear in Jerusalem and build the Third Temple. Christians await the “return of Christ” who will descend on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and establish the Kingdom of God. Muslims await the advent of Imam Mahdi (AS) who, together with Prophet Jesus (AS), will pray in Jerusalem and establish the global government of justice.
This shared expectation points to a profound truth: Jerusalem, not only for Muslims but for all humanity, is the symbol of the final battle between truth and falsehood. In Islamic traditions, it is stated that Imam Mahdi (AS), after his advent, first goes to Mecca and then comes to Jerusalem. There, Prophet Jesus (AS) descends from the heavens and prays behind Imam (AS). This narration, recorded in Sahih Muslim and Bihar al-Anwar, signifies the final unity of the divine religions in Jerusalem.
Zionism and the Plot to Demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque; A Sinister Plan That Will Be Thwarted
One of the most important conspiracies of global Zionism is the demolition of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the building of the “Third Temple” on its ruins. Extremist Jewish groups, such as “Gush Emunim” and “Beit Orot,” with the financial backing of Zionist billionaires, have for years sought to execute this sinister project. They believe that by destroying Al-Aqsa Mosque, “Mashiach” will appear. But this conspiracy will not only fail to materialize; according to the narrations, it will pave the way for the final collapse of the Zionist regime and the advent of the Promised Savior.
A narration from Imam Baqir (AS) states: “When our Qa’im rises, he goes toward Jerusalem and there raises the banner of truth. On that day, the entire Islamic world will unite under his leadership.” This narration demonstrates the pivotal role of Jerusalem in the fulfillment of the divine promise of the Advent.
The Role of the Axis of Resistance and Iran in the Liberation of Jerusalem
Today, in 2026, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Axis of Resistance, under the wise leadership of Imam Khamenei (may his shadow endure), are the standard-bearers of the struggle for the liberation of Jerusalem. From supporting Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine, to backing Hezbollah in Lebanon and Ansarullah in Yemen, all have been formed in pursuit of one sacred goal: the liberation of Jerusalem and preparing the ground for the advent of the Promised Savior.
The Supreme Leader has repeatedly emphasized in his statements: “The Palestinian issue is the foremost issue of the Islamic world. We believe that Jerusalem is the first Qibla of Muslims and must be liberated.” This perspective is not a political slogan but a deep religious conviction rooted in the Quran and traditions. Islamic Iran, relying on this conviction, has borne heavy costs—from unjust sanctions to the assassination of nuclear scientists and military commanders. But this sacrifice is a step toward the fulfillment of the divine promise: “And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors” (28:5).
Jerusalem and the Future of the World; From the Final Battle to Global Peace
In conclusion, it can be said that Jerusalem is not merely a holy city but the epicenter of the final battle between truth and falsehood. Throughout history, this city has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the Crusades, Zionist occupation, and popular intifadas. But today, on the threshold of the advent of the Promised Savior, Jerusalem has become the main arena of battle. A battle in which, on one side stands the front of arrogance and global Zionism, and on the other, the front of truth and Islamic resistance.
The Holy Quran states in verse 48:20: “Allah has promised you much booty that you will take, and He has hastened for you this…” This verse is a promise to all Muslims that ultimately, Jerusalem will be liberated and the banner of truth will be raised over it. But this promise is not fulfilled without effort, jihad, and resistance. As Imam Khomeini (RA) said: “Al-Quds is the first Qibla of Muslims and must be liberated.”
So let us also stand alongside the soldiers of Imam Mahdi (AS) in this historic battle. Through the Jihad of Clarification, supporting the Axis of Resistance, and nurturing a waiting generation, let us prepare the ground for the fulfillment of the divine promise of the liberation of Jerusalem and the advent of the Promised Savior. O Allah, hasten the reappearance of Your Proof, and grant us victory over the oppressive people.
