Jerusalem Enters Muslim Rule

Umar receives the keys of Jerusalem in person and guarantees the safety of its people, churches and worship.

The Patriarch Sophronius asked to surrender the city to the caliph himself. Umar entered Jerusalem simply dressed, granted its people the Covenant of Umar assuring their lives, property and churches, and declined to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre so it would not be taken from them. The city became the third sanctuary of the Muslim world.