Masjid Al Aqsa comes under one of the holiest places in Islamic history. The mosque is situated in the old city of Jerusalem. The mosque holds a very special place in every Muslim’s heart. This masjid was the first Qibla for Muslims thirteen years before the migration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to Madina and for 17 months after the migration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to Madina.

INTERIOR OF MASID AL AQSA:

The present-day mosque was initially constructed by the Ummayad Caliph Abd al-Malik and his son al-Walid at its current position and was finished in 705 CE. The first renovation of the historic mosque took place in the year 1922. It has 36-acre long, and 36-acre wide, and has a capacity of 5000 worshippers.

A Dome of Rock exists and features a Byzantine design. Nothing from the original structure still exists, although the current dome is made of woodwork that has been enamelled in the southern section of the masjid, beneath the dome, is a chapel or Muslim prayer room. Additionally, the mosque has a front covered in balustrades made of arcades and tiny columns. The mosque’s interior is divided into seven aisles and numerous halls. Near the dome, the main entry is faced with the mosaic and the inscriptions.

WHO CONSTRUCTED MASJID AL AQSA?

According to Islamic history, Prophet Adam (AS) originally built Masjid Al Aqsa (AS). But after his death, the revered mosque suffered damage. At that time, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ishaq (AS), travelled to Jerusalem to locate and rebuild Masjid Al-Aqsa. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) eventually began residing in the Blessed Land. The sons of Prophet Ishaq (AS) moved from Palestine to Egypt after his death.

Due to this, Masjid Al-Aqsa was neglected, and as a result, the foundation of the revered mosque began to deteriorate and sustain significant damage. The Prophet Dawood (AS), one of Allah SWT’s bravest and most powerful messengers, was then given the order to rebuild Masjid Al-Aqsa. While the mosque was being built, Prophet Dawood (AS) used to pray there. He, unfortunately, died even before the mosque’s construction was finished, though.

Soon after Prophet Dawood (AS) passed away, his adored son Prophet Sulayman (AS) carried on with the building project. The Masjid Al-Aqsa that we see today was rebuilt on his orders, and the Jinns were indeed used to build it.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT AL AQSA MOSQUE:

1. Al Aqsa Mosque is not a single mosque but a centre of multiple mosques. There are many mosques situated there. It is the whole complex of different mosques which is known as the Al Aqsa Masjid or Al Haram ash-Sharif.
2. The place also serves as a burial ground. The exact number of people who are buried in Masjid-e-Aqsa is not known but many prophets and their companions are buried there.
3. Imad ad-Din Zengi, a descendant of the Turkish Zengid dynasty, initiated the construction of a unique minbar for Masjid Al-Aqsa in his time. The minibar was unique as it was created entirely without the use of glue or nails. Sadly, Imad ad-Din did not live to witness the triumph, but Salahuddin, who had been chosen to succeed him, carried out the last wish of his mentor by installing the minbar after reconquering Jerusalem for the second time in Islamic history.
4. Al Aqsa mosque is the place from where the Holy Prophet started his journey towards the seven skies to meet ALLAH (SWT) which is also known as Mairaj.
5. It is the mosque that has been mentioned by ALLAH (SWT) in the Holy Quran. Kabah and the Al Awsa Mosque are the only two mosques that have been mentioned in the verses of the Holy Quran.

‘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 All-Hearing, the All-Seeing’. [, 17:1]

 

6. The famous Islamic literature book Ihyaa-ul-Ulum Al-Din was also written in the Holy Mosque.
7. The dome of the rock of in the Al Aqsa Mosque is one of the initial domes built in Islamic history.

FINAL WORD:

Masjid Al Aqsa has always been an extraordinary place since the existence of human beings. Many historical events have taken place in this mosque. It is the second mosque constructed on earth.

Once Abu Dharr (RA) asked the Prophet (SAW),

“O Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT, which Masjid was, built first on earth?” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied, “The Sacred Masjid of Makkah.” Abu Dharr (RA) again asked, “Which was next”? The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Masjid Al-Aqsa.” Abu Dharr (RA) further asked, “How long was the period between the buildings of the two Masjids?” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Forty years (Bukhari).

 

Also, the reward for offering prayers in it is 500 times more than praying elsewhere.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has also mentioned:

“A prayer in Makkah (Holy Kabaa) is worth 1000,000 times (reward), a prayer in my Masjid (Madinah) is worth 1,000 times and a prayer in Al-Aqsa Sanctuary is worth 500 times more reward than anywhere else”.

(Tabarani, Bayhaqi, Suyuti)

 

May ALLAH (SWT) allow every Muslim to visit Masjid Al Aqsa and offer prayers there.