Al-Aqsa: the third holy mosque of Islamic faith
After Trump announcement declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, it is important to remind the world of the importance of Al-Aqsa, the third holy site of the islamic faith.
It is in Jerusalem, called Al Quds in arabic, that is located Masjid Al-Aqsa. After Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina, Al-Aqsa is the third holy mosque in Islam.
In the Quran, God emphasized the sacred nature of the place. God made not only Al-Aqsa a blessed and holy place, but jerusalem as a whole.
Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques : Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger, and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem). (Al-Bukhari)
A prayer in the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah] is worth 100,000 prayers, a prayer in my mosque [in Madinah] is worth 1000, and a prayer in Jerusalem [Al-Aqsa Mosque] is worth 500 prayers more than in any other mosque. (Al-Bukhari)
Masjid Al-Aqsa
Al Aqsa was also the second mosque build on earth, it was built 40 years after the Kaabah. For many centuaries, Al Aqsa was a place of worship for the prophets of Allah.
It was a well known place of worship at the time of Prophet Ibrahim. The prophet Prophet Dawud (David), Sulayman (Solomon) and `Isa (Jesus) among many others all used Al Aqsa as a place of worship to Allah. Allah said in the Quran:
O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham. And they intended for him harm, but We made them the greatest losers. And We delivered him and Lot to the land which We had blessed for the worlds. (Surat Al-Anbiya, verse 69- 71)
And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind, blowing forcefully, proceeding by his command toward the land which We had blessed. And We are ever, of all things, Knowing. (Surat Al-Anbiya verse 81)
Jerusalem and Al Aqsa hold a particular importance for muslims because it was there that the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascension through the heavens (al Ma’araj) took place, during his miraculous journey from Makkah to Masjid al Aqsa (al Isra).After reaching Al-Aqsa, the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led prayers in congregation that was attended by all the previous Prophets (peace and be upon them all). This is what makes Al-Aqsa so unique and special for it is the only place where all the prophets of Allah prayed together.
The conflict happening is not only Israel/Palestine conflict but also Zionism/Muslims conflict. It is the duty of every muslims to visit and defend Al-Aqsa against the oppressor that only seek to destroy it.
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form of Faith".[Muslim].
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