Masjid al-Aqsa: Islam's Third Holiest Site

Masjid al-Aqsa (the Farthest Mosque) in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam, after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah. **The Name and Location** Located on the Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) in Old Jerusalem, the name 'Al-Aqsa' (the Farthest) comes from the Quran's description in the Isra and Mi'raj account (17:1). **Quranic and Prophetic Significance** - It was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims, before it was changed to Makkah - The Prophet (SAW) was transported here during Isra and led all prophets in prayer - The Prophet (SAW) said: 'Do not undertake a journey to any mosque except three: Al-Masjid al-Haram, this mosque of mine, and Al-Masjid al-Aqsa.' (Bukhari) **The Prayer Reward** The Prophet (SAW) said prayer in Masjid al-Aqsa is worth 500 prayers in other mosques (except the two Harams). **Historical Timeline** - Built initially by Prophet Sulaiman (AS) on foundations laid by Adam (AS) and Ibrahim (AS) - Destroyed by Babylon (587 BCE) and Rome (70 CE) - Recaptured by Caliph Umar (RA) in 638 CE, who cleared the site and built the first mosque - Expanded and renovated over centuries - The Dome of the Rock was built over the rock of Mi'raj by Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik in 691 CE **Al-Aqsa Today** Despite political challenges, Al-Aqsa remains a living mosque where tens of thousands of Muslims pray daily. Visiting it is a deeply meaningful spiritual goal for every Muslim.