When Nature Fights Back: The Flood That Defended a Synagogue

In 1271, Sheikh Qadir rose to power in Damascus. At the time, Al-Zahir ruled over Syria and greatly esteemed this famous Sheikh, elevating him above all other ministers and religious leaders.

Qadir was intensely zealous about the Islam religion. Under Islamic rule, there were often protected peoples from other religions, and long periods of tolerance. However, Qadir was far from tolerant. While in Jerusalem, he entered the Church of the Valley of the Cross, killed the priest with his own hands, and desecrated the place. In Alexandria, he converted churches into mosques. With his new power in Damascus, he launched an aggressive campaign to eradicate the "shame of wine" from the city. Islam forbids wine consumption, and Qadir aimed to eliminate it from the habits of both Jews and Christians, employing violence, raids, punishments, and forcing people to sign hefty fine agreements if found with wine.

It's worth noting: Sheikh Qadir had joined the Sufi order and was considered a prophet in the Mamluk Empire. He foretold futures for various ministers and emirs, gaining immense honor and gifts when his predictions came true. Sultan Baybars named one of his sons after him because Qadir had "prophesied" his future as a sultan.

Exultant with his many successes, Qadir grew reckless and decided to desecrate the illustrious Great Synagogue of Damascus. This ancient synagogue was filled with gold, silver, and exquisite carpets. During the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, Qadir and his followers entered with a feast for dervishes. The place became littered with food and scraps. Fakirs performed a special dance, adhering to their Sufi beliefs and customs.

On the Friday following Shavuot, Jews gathered in the streets to appeal to the sultan: "Muhammad son of Abdullah, we stand under your protection, possessing neither kingdom nor power. Please stand by us as justice demands, for Hashem enacts justice."

After their prayers and cries, the Jews returned home to prepare for Shabbat. Suddenly, the skies darkened. Ominous black clouds covered the entire horizon, a sight unseen for many years. A contemporary Arab historian described it thus: "Heavy clouds crowded over the mountains of Baalbek. On Shabbat, thunder echoes were heard, and the valleys filled with snow, combined with rain that melted it. The flood began early on Sunday, waters originating from Ain al-Fija, sweeping large rocks along their path, uprooting countless trees. By the eighth hour of the day, waters reached Damascus, rising a foot above the city's walls and elsewhere, eleven feet. The flood entered through the Paradise Gate after destroying bridge supports at the Salaam Gate, extending to the madrasa. It rose two feet above a man's height. The flood lasted three hours, destroying numerous houses, garden towers, drowning every pilgrim to the last, as well as countless camels and livestock. Rivers choked on red mud, and trees were uprooted, mills swept away and ruined."

The reputation of Sheikh Qadir fell, as he was seen as responsible for the catastrophic flood by desecrating the Jews' synagogue. With further investigation, he was found to not be as saintly as he appeared, caught in immodest acts and other embarrassing crimes. The sultan ordered his imprisonment in a small chamber in the citadel, where he died three years later.