This introductory article from ThoughtCo clearly explains the religious significance of Jerusalem in Islam. Known in Arabic as Al-Quds or Baitul-Maqdis (“The Noble, Sacred Place), the city is sacred to Muslims because of the biblical roots of the monotheistic religion, its status as the first Qiblah (place toward which they turn in prayer), and the site of Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension to heaven.Â