Why is the Holiest Shrine in Christianity Guarded by Two Muslim Families?

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is considered to be the holiest site in Christianity. According to tradition, this was the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected from the dead. Whilst this sacred site is divided between several Christian denominations, the overall custodianship of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is in the hands of two Muslim families.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. (Jorge Láscar/CC BY 2.0)

The History of the Church

The original Church of the Holy Sepulchre was constructed in the 4th century AD, during the reign of the Emperor Constantine. This structure was eventually destroyed during the 11th century AD by the Fatimids, though the church was rebuilt not long after its destruction by the Byzantines. Modifications were made to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by the Crusaders after they had captured Jerusalem in 1099.