Masjid al-Aqsa (Bayt al-Maqdis) is not only the Qibly Mosque (with a silver / black dome) or the Dome of the Rock. In fact, this is the whole region highlighted above, also known as Bayt al-Maqdis or Bayt al-Muqaddas (House of Holiness). The name “Masjid al-Aqsa” is translated as “the farthest mosque” and is the third holiest place in Islam. It was here around 621 CE The Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) arrived on the night journey from Mecca, riding Buraq.
Masjid al-Aqsa is not an ordinary mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) devoted most of his life to the care of sahabah (companions) in order to appreciate the excellent qualities of Masjid al-Aqsa. Some of the reasons why Masjid Al-Aqsa should be an important aspect of the devotional dedication are:
- The first qibla for Muslims;
- Al-Israh and Al-Miraj Station;
- The only Masjid mentioned by name in the Quran, except for the Kaaba
- The place where hundreds of the Messengers of Allah are buried;
- The only place on earth where all the Messengers of Allah prayed simultaneously led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
- A place where miracles were manifested by the will of Allah;
- The place that Allah Himself calls the “blessed place”;
- The second house of Allah that built on earth;
- Mentioned directly and indirectly, 70 times in the Only Quran;
- The place where the angels came down with the message of Allah;
- A place where many Sahabs are buried;
Video Fire Blazes Al-Aqsa Mosque Same Time As Notre Dame Cathedral
https://youtu.be/VLpUfF9u-L8?t=3
Most religious Jews regard the entrance to the al-Aqsa complex (which they call Temple Mount) as a violation of Jewish law. This restriction is based on the belief that, although the Temple (Solomon) was destroyed many centuries ago, the exact location of the Holy Holies, the sanctuary into which the High Priest once entered is unknown. Therefore, the restriction applies to the entire compound. They believe that the Temple should be built only after the coming of their Messiah, and they believe that it would be arrogant for people to force God’s hand. However, there are several Jewish groups that differ from this opinion. Many evangelical Christians consider this a necessary condition for Armageddon and the Second Coming (Jesus), and both actively encourage the restoration of the Temple on the Aqsa ground.
Video: Inside al-Aqsa: A 360° tour of Jerusalem’s holiest mosque
Map Location
Sources: Forty Ahadith concerning Masjid al-Aqsa – Ismail Adam Patel, Wikipedia and YouTube