THE AL-AQSA MOSQUE

The Al-Aqsa Mosque (Arabic: المسجد الأقصى, romanized: al-Masjid al-Aqṣā) is the third-holiest site in Islam, located on a 35-acre elevated plateau known as the Haram al-Sharif (or Temple Mount) in the Old City of Jerusalem. Key Facts • Significance: It serves as Islam's first Qibla (direction of prayer) and is the sacred destination of Prophet Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj). • The Compound: The name Al-Aqsa refers to the entire 35-acre sanctuary, which encompasses the silver-domed Qibli Mosque, the golden-domed Dome of the Rock, multiple prayer halls, courtyards, and four minarets. • Governance & Status Quo: Historically managed via an Islamic Waqf (trust) under Jordanian oversight, the site has experienced continuous political tension, restricted access for Palestinian worshippers, and increased security flashpoints. Al-Aqsa Mosque is mentioned by name in Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17, Verse 1) of the Quran. The Verse (17:1) "Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." Key Details in the Quran • The Night Journey (Isra): The verse describes the miraculous night journey where the Prophet Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa). • Blessed Surroundings: The Quran explicitly notes that the surroundings of Al-Aqsa have been blessed ("whose surroundings We have blessed"). • Third Holiest Site: In Islamic tradition, Al-Aqsa is recognized as the third holiest site in Islam (after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina) and served as the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. Key hadiths highlight the historical importance, virtue, and status of Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem: First and Second Mosques on Earth • Abu Dharr (RA) asked the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which mosque was built first on earth. • The Prophet replied: Al-Masjid Al-Haram (in Mecca). • When asked which was built next, he replied: Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), with a 40-year gap between them (Sahih al-Bukhari 3366, Sahih Muslim 520). The Three Special Mosques • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques: Al-Masjid-Al-Haram, this Mosque of mine (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina), and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Virtue of Prayer and Gifts • Maymunah (RA) asked the Prophet about the Sacred House in Jerusalem. He described it as the land of gathering and resurrection, stating that a prayer in it equals a thousand prayers elsewhere. • When she asked what to do if she could not travel there, the Prophet replied: "Then let one send a gift of oil to be lit therein [in its lamps], for the one who gifts this to it is like the one who has prayed therein" (Sunan Ibn Majah). Forgiveness of Sins • Umm Salamah (RA) reported hearing the Prophet (PBUH) say: "If anyone puts on Ihram for Hajj or Umrah from Al-Aqsa Mosque to Al-Masjid Al-Haram, his former and latter sins will be forgiven" (Sunan Abu Dawud). Layak negative dua Wallahualam, Credits: #AIoverview #fb #fyppppp #AlAqsaMosque.