Islamic Landmarks
This is a view from the Jewish side. Previously, the area was open to the sky but has now been covered and is used as a synagogue. The green door leads to the tombs of Yaqoob (عليه السلام) and Lia [Leah], who was one of his wives.
- Yaqoob (عليه السلام) is mentioned by name 16 times in the Quran.
- Yaqoob (عليه السلام) was the son of Ishaq (عليه السلام) and his wife Rifaqah [Rebekah] and was born in Palestine. He passed his life exactly in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
- Yaqoob (عليه السلام) had four wives and twelve sons who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Seven of his sons were from his wife Lia who is buried next to him. The Prophet Yusuf (عليه السلام) and Benjamin were from Rahil [Rachel].
- After Yusuf (عليه السلام) became the custodian of the storehouses in Egypt, Yaqoob (عليه السلام), along with the whole family proceeded towards Egypt on the invitation of his son and settled there. He died at the age of 140 years and was brought back and buried in Hebron (al-Khalil) according to his will.
- When the Prophet Yaqoob (عليه السلام) was on the point of death, be called his sons and held conversation with them. It is mentioned in the following verses of the Quran in Surah al-Baqarah:“The same did Ebrahim enjoin upon his sons, and also Yaqoob (saying): O’ my sons! Lo! Allah has chosen for you the true religion, therefore die not save as men who have surrendered (unto Him) or were you present when death came to Yaqoob when he said to his –sons: What will you worship after me? They said: We shall worship your God, God of your fathers Ebrahim, Ismail and Ishaq, One God and unto Him We have surrendered.“ [2: 132, 133]
- Video showing the Jewish side (contains music):
References: Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili, Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir, Islam101.com
