Al-Aqsa Mosque: The Third Holiest Site in Islam
Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as one of the most sacred places in Islam. Muslims around the world revere it after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Located in Jerusalem, this site holds deep religious significance. The history of Aqsa Mosque spans thousands of years, connecting prophets, empires, and faith. From ancient times to the present day, Masjid al-Aqsa has been a symbol of devotion and struggle. This article traces Al Aqsa history through its builders, conquests, and spiritual meaning.
Where Is Masjid Al-Aqsa Located and in Which Country?
Geographic Position of Masjid Al-Aqsa on the Map
Masjid Al-Aqsa sits on a raised platform known as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The entire compound covers about 144 dunums, making Al-Aqsa with its 144 dunums one of the largest mosque sites in the world. It lies in East Jerusalem, part of the Old City. The location of the mosque places it near the Western Wall and overlooks the City of Jerusalem. Al Masjid Al compound includes gardens, fountains, and several buildings. Visitors can see Al-Aqsa Mosque by entering through one of its many gates in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Within the Old City of Jerusalem
The Old City walls surround Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. This walled area measures less than one square kilometer but holds immense value for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The mosque is located in the southeastern corner of the Old City. Narrow streets lead to gates that open into the mosque and its precincts. The silver-domed congregational mosque building serves as the main congregational mosque or prayer hall. Known as Al-Aqsa, it faces Mecca and guides worshippers during salah.
Israel and Al-Aqsa Mosque: Current Political Context
Today, Israel controls access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. After Jerusalem was captured in 1967, Israeli occupation began. This led to restrictions that limit Al-Aqsa worship. Tensions often rise with Al-Aqsa Mosque clashes and storming Al-Aqsa. Despite this, the mosque has remained a focal point for Muslims. Jordan manages Islamic affairs through the Waqf, but Israeli forces guard the entrances. The present-day mosque faces ongoing challenges, yet millions pray toward it daily.
Al-Aqsa Meaning and Its Linguistic Roots
The Term “Al-Aqsa” in Arabic and Quranic Reference
The name Al-Aqsa means “the furthest mosque” or “distant mosque” in Arabic. The Quran mentions Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Surah Al-Isra (17:1). This verse refers to the farthest mosque or the alleged site where Prophet Muhammad traveled during the Night Journey. The term links directly to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Early Muslims understood it as the sacred mosque on the Temple Mount.
Connection Between Al-Aqsa and the Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad
During Isra and Mi’raj, Prophet Muhammad traveled from Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque. He led prayers with earlier prophets before ascending to heaven. This event gives Al-Aqsa Mosque its unique place in Islamic history. The mosque in Jerusalem became the third holiest after this miracle. Muslims honor the history about Masjid Al-Aqsa through this journey.
Who Built Mosque Aqsa? Tracing the Origins
Pre-Islamic History of the Temple Mount Site
Before Islam, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem held the First and Second Jewish Temples. Ruins from these structures lie beneath the mosque on the Haram. Some mosque are remains of earlier walls. The site was sacred long before the mosque built.
Prophet Adam and the Earliest Structure According to Islamic Tradition
According to Islamic sources, angels or Prophet Adam laid the first foundation. This marks Al-Aqsa as the second mosque on earth after Masjid al-Haram. The history of Masjid Al-Aqsa begins here in legend.
Prophet Ibrahim and the Rebuilding of Masjid Al-Aqsa
Prophet Ibrahim later rebuilt the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He raised the walls as part of his mission. This act ties Al-Aqsa Masjid history to the father of prophets.
Prophet Sulaiman and the First Major Construction
Prophet Sulaiman carried out the first large-scale build the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He created a grand structure with gold and precious materials. Though destroyed later, his work shaped the Aqsa Mosque history.
Islamic History of Masjid Al-Aqsa: From Conquest to Caliphate
Conquest of Jerusalem by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab
In 637 CE, Caliph Umar entered the mosque after Christians surrendered Jerusalem. He cleaned the site and prayed where Prophet Muhammad had stood. Umar refused to pray inside a church to avoid future claims.
Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik and the Dome of the Rock
Caliph Abd al-Malik built by the Umayyad Caliph the golden Dome of the Rock in 691 CE. It stands near the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This shrine honors the Mi’raj spot.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Reconstruction Under Caliph al-Walid I
His son al-Walid I rebuilt the Al-Aqsa Mosque with wood and marble. The traditional hypostyle mosque took shape with columns and aisles. Additions to the mosque included a large roof.
Abbasid and Fatimid Periods of Restoration
Earthquakes damaged the mosque was rebuilt several times. Abbasids and Fatimids made repairs to the mosque. The mosque was restored after each disaster.
Crusader Occupation and Salahuddin Ayyubi’s Liberation
First Crusade and Conversion of Al-Aqsa into a Church
The First Crusade reached Jerusalem in 1099 after a long march from Europe. Crusader armies, led by figures like Godfrey of Bouillon, broke through the city walls on July 15. They massacred thousands, including Muslims and Christians and Jews in Jerusalem. Al-Aqsa Mosque fell under their control. The Crusaders renamed the Temple Mount as the “Temple of Solomon.” They turned Al-Aqsa Mosque into a palace for their king and a church called Templum Domini.
Inside, they placed a cross on the Dome of the Rock, now Templum Salomonis. The mosque was used as headquarters for the Knights Templar, who stabled horses in the prayer halls. Stalls filled the main congregational mosque or prayer area. Pig pens appeared where Muslims once prayed. Crusaders removed mihrabs and added altars. For 88 years, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the site served Christian rule. Pilgrims visited, but Muslims faced bans. This occupation hurt Islamic history of Masjid Al-Aqsa. Mosque in Jerusalem lost its role as a worship center. Aksa Mosque became a symbol of loss. Claims Mu’awiya built a mosque were mocked. The era showed faith’s test through invasion.
Daily life changed. Mosque on the Temple Mount hosted masses, not salah. Arab mosque consisted of ruins under crosses. Friday mosque turned weekly into Christian feasts. Mosque with three gates saw knights enter on horseback. This period built tension for Salahuddin Ayyubi’s rise.
Salahuddin Ayyubi’s Recapture in 1187 CE
Salahuddin Ayyubi, or Saladin, united Muslims against Crusaders. After victory at Battle of Hattin in July 1187, he marched on Jerusalem. On October 2, 1187—Rajab 583 AH—he entered peacefully. Balian of Ibelin surrendered after negotiations. Salahuddin allowed safe exit for Christians.
He recaptured the mosque in November 1187 fully. First, Salahuddin purified Al-Aqsa. Water washed floors where animals lived. He entered the mosque humbly. Prayer resumed immediately. The minbar of Al-Aqsa, carved by Nur ad-Din, arrived from Aleppo. Minbar became a preaching throne. Salahuddin restored mosque and its precincts. He rebuilt walls, added fountains. Mosque in November 1187 shone again. Northern porch of the mosque got new tiles.
Salahuddin showed mercy, unlike 1099. He protected churches, freed prisoners. This act earned respect. Jerusalem from the Crusaders returned to Muslims. History of Aqsa Mosque marked this as triumph. Who built mosque aqsa stories revived. Al Aqsa Masjid history gained a hero.
Ayyubid and Mamluk Era Repairs and Endowments
Ayyubid rule under Salahuddin brought stability. He endowed waqfs for upkeep. Mosque was rebuilt with schools, hospitals nearby. Additions to the mosque included madrasas.
Mamluks (1250-1517) expanded greatly. After earthquakes, they repairs to the mosque. Sultan Baybars added gates. Qalawun built domes. They funded the mosque and the Islamic waqfs. Fountains like Silsilah refreshed worshippers. Schools taught Quran Recitation. Mosque has remained central. Rebuilt the Al-Aqsa Mosque multiple times. This era preserved Al Aqsa history.
Ottoman Rule and Architectural Preservation
Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s Renovations
Sultan Suleiman (1520-1566) loved Jerusalem. He rebuilt Old City walls. For Al-Aqsa, he retiled Dome of the Rock with 16th-century Iznik ceramics—blue, green, gold. Suleiman rebuilt walls around compound. He fixed the facade of the mosque with colorful patterns. Minarets around the mosque got new shapes: Bab al-Silsilah square, others octagonal. Three-fourths of today’s look is Ottoman.
Suleiman added porches, ablution areas. North wall of the mosque strengthened. His work made Al-Aqsa Mosque building enduring.
Ottoman Waqf System Supporting Al-Aqsa Mosque
Waqf funded everything. Farms in Syria, Egypt sent grain, oil. The Waqf provided food for poor, imams. Repairs never stopped. It kept the mosque with three gates open. Mosque on the haram thrived. Originally built by the Umayyad, sustained by Ottomans. Present-day mosque owes much here.
19th Century Earthquakes and Restoration Projects
Earthquakes hit 1834, 1927. In 1927, severe quake cracked Al-Aqsa. Kemalettin Bey to restore Al-Aqsa led team. Bey to restore Al-Aqsa Mosque used steel beams inside. Dome reinforced. Al-Aqsa Mosque and the monuments saved. Repairs took years, cost millions.
20th Century Conflicts and the 1967 Occupation
British Mandate Period and Early Zionist Claims
British took Jerusalem in 1917. Mandate (1920-1948) saw riots over Temple of Jerusalem site. Tensions grew. Zionists claimed underground. Plans to blow up the Al-Aqsa Mosque rumored.
Jordanian Custody of Al-Aqsa from 1948 to 1967
1948 war split city. Jordan controlled East Jerusalem. Cared for the mosque and the Dome. Waqf managed prayers.
Israeli Occupation After the Six-Day War
June 1967, Israel took the Old City. Paratroopers reached Western Wall. Access changed forever. First time since capturing Jerusalem fully Israeli. Storming Al-Aqsa began. Limit Al-Aqsa worship via checks.
1969 Arson Attack by Denis Michael Rohan
August 21, 1969, Australian Denis Michael Rohan set fire. Southeastern wing burned. Minbar destroyed. Global help rebuilt. Mosque was restored by 1970s.
Recent: In 2025, 53,000+ settlers stormed compound. Al-Aqsa Mosque clashes continue.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Significance in Islamic Faith
The Second Mosque on Earth According to Hadith
Hadith: “Set out for three mosques…” Al-Aqsa second after Masjid al-Haram. Al-Aqsa holds this honor.
Blessed Surroundings Mentioned in the Quran
Surah 17:1: “To the farthest mosque…” Land blessed.
Reward for Prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa
500 times reward.
Isra and Mi’raj: The Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Al-Aqsa, led prophets, ascended. Ties Islamic history.
Architectural Features of Masjid Al-Aqsa
Difference Between Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock
Dome: Shrine. Al-Aqsa: Prayer hall. People confuse mosque and the Dome.
The Qibli Mosque and Its Silver Dome
Qibli Mosque inside Al-Aqsa Mosque main. Mosque with the large silver dome. Windows of the Qibli Mosque ornate.
Marwani Prayer Hall and Underground Structures
Marwani holds 6,000. Caves below.
Minarets, Domes, and Historic Gates of the Compound
Four minarets. Gates like Bab al-Maghariba.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Photos and Visual Documentation
Historic Images from Ottoman and British Mandate Eras
Old photos capture northern porch. Aksa Mosque in black and white.
Modern Photography of Al-Aqsa Interior and Exterior
Images show silver dome, gold nearby.
Learning About Al-Aqsa Through Online Quran Classes
Quran Recitation Lessons Mentioning Al-Aqsa in Surah Al-Isra
Practice 17:1 rules.
Quran with Translation Courses Explaining Verse 17:1
Distant mosque meanings.
Quran Memorization (Hifz) Programs Including Isra and Mi’raj
Memorize journey.
Quran Tajweed Classes for Proper Recitation of Al-Aqsa Verses
Tajweed for praise.
Quran Tafseer Sessions on the Significance of Masjid Al-Aqsa
Deep lessons.
Join Rehman Quran for one-to-one online!
Arabic Language Training to Read Al-Aqsa References in Original Texts
Arabic Course Modules on Quranic Vocabulary Related to Al-Aqsa
Asra, aqsa.
Reading Hadith About Al-Aqsa in Arabic Through Online Classes
Three mosques hadith.
Islamic Education Covering History of Masjid Al-Aqsa
Basic Islamic Education Units on the Three Holy Mosques
Compare all.
Hadith & Fiqh Studies on Travel to Al-Aqsa Mosque
Fiqh rulings.
Special Islamic Courses on Jerusalem in Islamic History
Full history.
Children’s Programs: Quran Reading and Al-Aqsa Stories
Basic Norani Qaida Leading to Al-Aqsa Verse Recitation
Letters to verses.
Kalimas & Namaz Lessons Tied to Prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa
Dua inside.
General Basics & Manners Inspired by Prophets Who Built Al-Aqsa
Sulaiman tales.
Read Live Quran Sessions Focused on Surah Al-Isra
Live Recitation of Verse 17:1 with Tajweed Rules
Real-time.
Interactive Tafseer of the Night Journey Online
Questions answered.
Urdu Course for South Asian Muslims Learning Al Aqsa Mosque History
Al Aqsa Mosque History in Urdu Through Structured Lessons
Timeline in Urdu.
Urdu Translation of Hadith About Journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa
Clear hadiths.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the story behind the Al-Aqsa Mosque?
You know, the story behind the Al-Aqsa Mosque mixes prophet tales and battles, from Prophet Muhammad‘s Night Journey to Jerusalem till storming Al-Aqsa today. Masjid Al Aqsa Mosque saw Prophet Adam lay foundations, Prophet Ibrahim rebuild, and Prophet Sulaiman make it grand on the temple mount in jerusalem. Islamic history of masjid al aqsa shows jerusalem was captured by Muslims, Crusaders turned mosque was used as stables, then Salahuddin freed jerusalem from the crusaders in mosque in november 1187.
Who originally built Masjid Al-Aqsa?
Hey, who built mosque aqsa? According to islamic views, Prophet Adam first mosque built, then Prophet Ibrahim build the al-aqsa mosque after masjid al-haram in mecca. Prophet Sulaiman gave major shape, but claims mu’awiya built a mosque or Umayyad like Abd al-Malik originally built by the umayyad the present-day mosque.
When was the Al-Aqsa Mosque built in Jerusalem?
The history of aqsa mosque says early prophets built it way back, but al aqsa masjid history notes mosque on the haram got traditional hypostyle mosque form around 705 CE by built by the umayyad caliph al-Walid. Aqsa mosque history includes mosque was rebuilt after quakes, like kemalettin bey to restore al-aqsa in 1900s.
Why is the Al-Aqsa Mosque important to Islam?
Al-Aqsa Mosque rocks islam cos it’s the third holiest site, mentioned in the quran as distant mosque or furthest mosque for Prophet Muhammad‘s trip. Religious significance comes from al-aqsa holds rewards—prayer here counts thousands! Mosque in islam links al masjid al to prophets.
Is Al-Aqsa Mosque built on Solomon’s Temple?
Yeah, mosque on the temple mount sits where Jews say Solomon‘s temple of jerusalem stood—mosque or the alleged temple. But history about masjid al aqsa claims prophets like Sulaiman rebuilt the al-aqsa mosque on older mosque are remains. Al aqsa history debates farthest mosque or the alleged site.
Which Prophet is associated with Masjid Al-Aqsa?
Prophet Muhammad tops, cos he prayed there with others during Mi’raj at masjid al-aqsa in jerusalem. Prophet Adam, Ibrahim, Sulaiman all tied—Prophet Sulaiman rebuilt big-time. History of masjid al-aqsa names many prophet links.
Why was the Al-Aqsa Mosque built?
To worship Allah! Prophet build the al-aqsa mosque for prayer, like masjid al-haram. Al-aqsa meaning “far” fits Prophet Muhammad‘s journey. Later caliphs added to the mosque for congregational mosque or prayer hall.
What is the historical significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Islam?
Islamic history shines: second mosque after Mecca, first qibla, Mi’raj spot. From Umar entered the mosque to mosque was restored post-Crusades, al-aqsa mosque and dome faced al-aqsa mosque clashes. Al-aqsa masjid history full of repairs to the mosque.
Is Masjid Al-Aqsa in Israel or Palestine?
Masjid al-aqsa sits in east jerusalem‘s old city of jerusalem, city of jerusalem under Israel control since ’67—jerusalem was captured then. Palestinians claim it Palestine, Jordan runs mosque and its precincts via Waqf, but israel limit al-aqsa worship amid storming al-aqsa.
Why is Al-Aqsa Mosque considered the third holiest site in Islam?
Cos hadith says only travel to three mosques: Mecca, Medina, Al Aqsa Mosque! Quran blesses al-masjid al-aqsa with its 144 dunums, al-aqsa with its 144 dunums. Known as al-aqsa, silver-domed congregational mosque building hosts main congregational mosque or prayer, friday mosque vibes.
Al Aqsa Mosque today faces digs near north wall of the mosque, minarets around the mosque, mosque with three gates—see al-aqsa mosque via mosque by getting a ticket. Mosque has remained key despite blow up the al-aqsa mosque tries, within the al-aqsa mosque compound holds qibli mosque inside al-aqsa mosque, windows of the qibli mosque. Mosque with the large silver dome, northern porch of the mosque, facade of the mosque shine. Including the al-aqsa mosque, al-aqsa mosque and the monuments, al-aqsa mosque building, mosque of omar, mosque of the dome, rock and the al-aqsa mosque, mosque and the dome, al-aqsa mosque and dome, dome of the prophet built, akså mosque, aksa mosque, aksà mosque. Mosque is located at location of the mosque, located in the old city, old city, mosque in jerusalem, al-aqsa mosque in jerusalem. Mosque was rebuilt, rebuilt the al-aqsa mosque, bey to restore al-aqsa mosque, additions to the mosque, mosque and the islamic, arab mosque consisted, minbar of al-aqsa, christians and jews in jerusalem.