Al - Aqsa Mosque

 Al-Aqsa Mosque

Why is it so special in Islam?

Israeli troops have attacked Al Aqsa, the third holiest site for Muslims, during several Ramadans. Here is what makes the place so significant within the Islamic faith.

The Quran only mentions two mosques by name, the Masjid Al Haram in Mecca and Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem. It also refers to Al Haram, the surrounding area of the holy Kaaba, where Muslims from all over the world congregate, pray, and circle around the house of God. Similarly, the Quran also describes Al Aqsa Mosque as the center of Bayt al Maqdis, which means “the Holy Land” and “the land of barakah” or the land of salvation and peace. 

Prophet’s miraculous journey by night

The fact that Al Aqsa is the only known location on earth where all the Prophets of Allah worshipped together at the same time, led by the final Prophet Muhammad, gives it additional significance. Every prophet was present in Al Aqsa on this particular night also demonstrates the inclusive aspect of Islam, which the Quran attests to:

The first Qibla for Muslims

The Quran also talks about the Al Aqsa Mosque as the first Qibla – point of direction for praying – as well as referring to its centrality in events that are to occur before the day of reckoning.

Prophet Muhammed and his companions in the initial days of Islam prayed towards the direction of Al Aqsa. Several hadiths say that a divine commandment came in the middle of his prayers, asking him to turn his face toward the Kaaba. He was the last prophet to face both Masjid Al Aqsa and the Kaaba in one single prayer.

From Prophet Adam (as) to Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Al Masjid Al Aqsa was the first qibla in Islam and it has been a significant and important place of worship for the Prophets of Islam. It was built 40 years after Al Masjid Al Haram in Makkah. There is a difference of opinion amongst scholars as to who exactly built Al Masjid Al Aqsa, with some scholars and historians asserting the view that Al Masjid Al Aqsa was built by Prophet Adam (as), and others opining that it was built by Prophet Ibrahim (as). It has also been rebuilt, renovated, and expanded many times in the history of Islam.

Masjid al-Aqsa holds immense significance in Islamic religious tradition as well as history. It is known as the first qibla of Muslims — the direction toward which Muslims face to offer their salat — as well as the third holiest site in Islam. It is built on the site where the noble Messenger (saws) led all the earlier Prophets in prayer when he was transported by night from Masjid al-Haram before his Miraj (ascension to Heaven) to the point referred to in the Qur’an as Sidrat al-Muntaha

Al-Aqsa Mosque facts

1. Masjid Al Aqsa is not just one mosque but a collection of mosques.
2. The main mosque in the Al Aqsa complex is Qibla Mosque, present in the southern corner of the premises.
3. The Dome of the Rock is among the initial domes built in Islam.
4. Buraq Masjid and Marwani Mosque are also present in the Haram Al-Sharif or Al Aqsa Mosque.
5. There are many graves of noble Muslims present in the complex, such as the grave of Prophet Suleiman.
6. Al Aqsa for long was used as a dumping ground by Romans until Hazrat Umar cleared the trash and litter from the premises.
7. The name of the Masjid is mentioned in the holy book of the Quran along with the Holy Kaaba.
8. Ihyaa Ulum Al-Din by Abu Hamid Al Ghazali, a famous Islamic literature book, was written inside Al Aqsa.

An important part of Islamic history, this mosque is a symbol of Allah’s greatness. It stands for a lot of things and is an important Islamic religious site for Muslims around the world. A visit here is all one needs to witness the grandeur and the beauty of the Al Aqsa mosque.

 corrupt Muslim rulers are totally subservient to the imperialists and Zionists. Reposing hope in them to rescue the Muslims is a waste of time. It would require a figure like Salahuddin Ayyubi to rise among the Muslims to liberate Masjid al-Aqsa and Palestine from another group of Crusaders, this time of the Zionist variety.

Until then, Muslims can pray and prepare for that day. A good starting point would be to become better informed about their history which seems to have been largely forgotten.

FAQ: Al - Aqsa Mosque

Question: How many times is Masjid al-Aqsa mentioned in the Quran?

The term "Masjid al-Aqsa" is mentioned once or two in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani Isra'il), in verse 17:1.

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