Al Aqsa Mosque is one of the sacred places in Islam located in Jerusalem. This mosque has a long and rich history, witnessing significant events in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. This article will delve into the history, significance, and current state of Al Aqsa Mosque.
What is Al Aqsa Mosque?
1. Definition and Meaning of Al Aqsa Mosque
Al Aqsa Mosque (Arabic: المسجد الاقصى, Al-Masjid Al-Aqsha, literal meaning: “farthest mosque”) is the name of a complex spanning 144,000 square meters located in the Old City of Jerusalem, Palestine. This complex holds sanctity for Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. It is often confused with Jami’ Al-Aqsha or Al-Qibli Mosque. Jami’ Al-Aqsha is the blue-domed mosque that is part of the This Mosque complex to the south, while This Mosque itself is the name of the entire complex, comprising not only Jami’ Al-Aqsha (the blue-domed building) but also the Dome of the Rock (the golden-domed building) and various other sites.¹
2. Origin and History of Al Aqsa Mosque
Al Aqsa Mosque has a long and rich history that dates back to the time of the Children of Israel. According to Jewish sources, the area now occupied by This Mosque is believed to be the site of the former Holy Temple. The first Holy Temple was built by Solomon, the son of David, in 957 BCE and was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The second Holy Temple was constructed in 516 BCE and was destroyed by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. Both Jewish and Christian traditions associate this location with the event of Abraham’s intention to sacrifice his son Isaac.
During the Islamic era, this site became sacred for Muslims. According to Islamic belief, Prophet Muhammad was taken on the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to This Mosque before being ascended to the Sidrat al-Muntaha. Al Aqsa Mosque also served as the qibla for the early Muslim community for seventeen months after the Hijra, before it was redirected towards the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram.¹
The current Al Aqsa Mosque was built by Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan or his son Al-Walid bin Abd al-Malik in the 7th century CE. The mosque underwent several renovations and expansions by various Islamic dynasties in Jerusalem, including the Abbasids, Fatimids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans. The Crusaders briefly converted it into a palace in 1099, but it was later restored to a mosque by Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi in 1187.
Why is Al Aqsa Mosque Important for the Faithful?
1. Significance of Al Aqsa Mosque for Muslims
Al Aqsa Mosque holds immense importance for Muslims, encompassing matters of faith, history, and politics. Here are several reasons why This Mosque is significant for Muslims:
Al Aqsa Mosque is one of the three mosques recommended for pilgrimage, along with Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque. Prophet Muhammad said: “Do not set out on a journey except for the three Mosques: the Sacred Mosque, my Mosque, and This Mosque.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)³
Al Aqsa Mosque is where Prophet Muhammad prayed in congregation with other prophets and messengers before his ascension to the Sidrat al-Muntaha. The Prophet said: “I was brought from the Sacred Mosque to This Mosque, which was surrounded with blessings, and I prayed there. Then I was taken up to Sidrat al-Muntaha.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)³
Al Aqsa Mosque was the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to the Kaaba. Allah says in the Quran: “We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qibla with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer].” (Quran, Al-Baqarah: 144)³
Al Aqsa Mosque is among the blessed places on Earth. Allah says: “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to This Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Quran, Al-Isra: 1)
Al Aqsa Mosque is prophesied to bear witness to the truth of Islam in the end times. The Prophet said: “The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. ‘O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him.'” (Narrated by Muslim)
2. Significance of Al Aqsa Mosque for the Jewish Community
Al Aqsa Mosque holds great significance for the Jewish community as it is believed to be the site of the Holy Temple, a central place of worship and pride for the people of Israel. Here are several reasons why This Mosque is important for the Jewish community:
Al Aqsa Mosque is mentioned in the Jewish holy scriptures, namely the Torah, Psalms, and the Books of the Prophets. The place is referred to as Harun HaMoriah (Mount Moriah), Har HaBayit (Mount House), or Bayt HaMikdash (Holy House). It is considered a chosen place by God to establish His name and manifest His presence.
Al Aqsa Mosque bears witness to various significant events in Jewish history, including the construction and destruction of the First and Second Temples, the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, the manifestation of fire and clouds signifying the presence of God, and the reception of the Torah by Moses. The place is also expected to be the location for the construction of the Third Temple in the end times.
Al Aqsa Mosque symbolizes the sovereignty and identity of the Israeli people. It is regarded as a spiritual, political, and national center for Jews.
The site has been the target of conquests, colonization, and liberation efforts by various foreign powers, including Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Arabs, Turks, England, and Jordan. It has also been a source of conflicts, wars, and resistance between Israel and Palestine.
3. Significance of Al Aqsa Mosque for the Christian Community
Al Aqsa Mosque holds great significance for the Christian community as it is believed to be associated with various events in the life and teachings of Jesus. Here are several reasons why This Mosque is important for Christians:
Al Aqsa Mosque bears witness to events in the life of Jesus, including teaching, healing, prayer, and the expulsion of merchants from the Holy Temple. It is also the site of confrontations between Jesus and Jewish religious leaders, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the Law. Additionally, it marks the beginning of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion by Roman authorities.
This Mosque bears witness to events involving the followers of Jesus, including preaching, prayer, and miracles. It is also associated with persecutions and the spread of the Christian faith. The site is a destination for various journeys and missions by apostles such as Peter, John, James, and Paul.
Al Aqsa Mosque bears witness to events related to the end times, such as the return of Jesus, the final judgment, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. The site has been a target for liberation and takeover by Crusader armies who considered it a holy land. It has also been a source of dialogue and cooperation between the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish faiths.
What is Happening with Al Aqsa Mosque Today?
Al Aqsa Mosque is currently facing various conditions and challenges that threaten its existence and peace. Here are some of the situations and challenges faced by Al Aqsa Mosque today:
Al Aqsa Mosque is under the occupation and control of Israel, which claims it as part of their capital, Jerusalem. Israel has taken various actions to alter the status quo and identity of the site, including the construction of illegal settlements, excavation of tunnels, damage to historical sites, and restricting access for Muslim worshippers.
Al Aqsa Mosque is under threat and attack from extremist Jewish groups aiming to destroy the site and rebuild the Third Temple. These groups provoke and aggress by forcibly entering the site, performing Jewish rituals, attacking worshippers and guards, and planning bombings and killings.
Al Aqsa Mosque is under pressure and conflict involving various parties with interests and claims to the site, such as Palestine, Israel, the United States, the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other countries. Despite negotiations, mediations, sanctions, and interventions, the issues persist, and peace in the area remains elusive.
How Can We Help Al Aqsa Mosque?
Tips and Suggestions to Support Al Aqsa Mosque
Al Aqsa Mosque is a place of great importance for the faithful, especially for Muslims. Therefore, efforts should be made to help and support the site in various possible ways. Here are some tips and suggestions to assist Al Aqsa Mosque:
Pray for Al Aqsa Mosque, so that the site remains under the protection and mercy of Allah, and continues to be a source of blessings and goodness for humanity. Prophet Muhammad said: “Do not abandon This Mosque, for indeed, praying there is like a thousand prayers elsewhere.” (Narrated by Ahmad)
Visit Al Aqsa Mosque to experience its beauty and grandeur, and to enhance one’s faith and piety. Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever sets out on a journey to visit This Mosque, I will be a witness for him on the Day of Judgment.” (Narrated by Hakim)
Contribute financially to Al Aqsa Mosque to assist worshippers and guards and to contribute to the preservation and improvement of the site. Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever donates for This Mosque, he will get the reward of donating for the Sacred Mosque.” (Narrated by Thabrani)
Advocate for Al Aqsa Mosque to defend its rights and justice, and to oppose all forms of oppression and disrespect towards the site. Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever strives for This Mosque, he will attain the status of my companions.”
FAQ
Q: Is Al Aqsa Mosque the same as the Dome of the Rock?
A: No, This Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are different. Al Aqsa Mosque is the name of the 144,000 square meter complex located in the Old City of Jerusalem, while the Dome of the Rock is the name of the golden-domed building that is part of the complex to the north. The Dome of the Rock is also known as the Dome of the Rock because beneath it is the stone believed to be the place where Prophet Muhammad ascended to Sidratulmuntaha.
Q: Is Al Aqsa Mosque only important for Muslims?
A: No, This Mosque is also important for Jews and Christians as it is associated with various events in the history and beliefs of these three religions. It is believed to be the site of the Holy Temple, the place of the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, the site of the manifestation of fire and clouds signifying the presence of Allah, the place where Moses received the Torah, the place where Jesus taught, healed, and expelled merchants from the Holy Temple, the site of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion by Roman authorities, and the place that will be the location of the return of Jesus, the final judgment, and the Kingdom of God.
Q: Is Al Aqsa Mosque safe from threats and attacks?
A: No, This Mosque is not safe from threats and attacks, both from Israel and extremist Jewish groups. Israel has taken various actions aimed at altering the status quo and identity of the site, including building illegal settlements, excavating tunnels, damaging historical sites, and restricting access for Muslim worshippers. Extremist Jewish groups engage in provocations and aggression, such as forcibly entering the site, performing Jewish rituals, attacking worshippers and guards, and planning bombings and killings.
Q: How can we help Al Aqsa Mosque?
A: We can help This Mosque in various ways, such as praying, visiting, donating, and advocating for the site. We can also help by increasing our knowledge and awareness of the site, spreading accurate information and facts, and supporting movements and organizations that strive to free and protect the site.
Conclusion:
Al Aqsa Mosque is a sacred place full of history and wonders, serving as a source of blessings and goodness for people of various religions, especially Muslims. It has a long and rich history, bearing witness to significant events in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The site holds immense importance for the faithful in terms of faith, history, and politics. Currently facing challenges and threats to its existence and peace, efforts should be made to support and help the site through various means, including prayer, pilgrimage, charity, and advocacy. Increasing knowledge and awareness, spreading accurate information, and supporting movements striving for the liberation and protection of the site are crucial actions to undertake.
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