#aqsa

Описание: Introduction to Masjid Al-Aqsa
Masjid Al-Aqsa (Arabic: المسجد الأقصى, “the Farthest Mosque”) is one of the most revered sites in Islam, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, Palestine. It forms part of a larger 35.6 acre compound known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) to Muslims and the Temple Mount to Jews. The compound includes the silver-domed Al-Aqsa Mosque (also called the Qibli Mosque), the golden Dome of the Rock, prayer halls, madrasas, and over 200 historical monuments. This site holds profound religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims, Jews, and Christians, making it a focal point of interfaith harmony and geopolitical tension.
Religious Significance in Islam
• Third Holiest Site: After Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid An-Nabawi in Medina, Al-Aqsa is the third holiest mosque in Islam. Praying there is said to carry immense reward; one prayer at Al-Aqsa equals 500 prayers elsewhere, according to a hadith narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah.
• Mentioned in the Quran: It is referenced in Surah Al-Isra (17:1), describing the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) miraculous Night Journey (Isra’) from Mecca to Al-Aqsa, where he led prophets in prayer before ascending to heaven (Mi’raj). This event underscores its role as a spiritual gateway.
• First Qibla: For the first 16-17 months after the Hijrah (migration to Medina), Muslims faced Al-Aqsa as the direction of prayer (Qibla) before it shifted to the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Prophetic Connections: The site is linked to numerous prophets, including Adam (who laid its foundations), Ibrahim (who rebuilt it), Musa (who wished to be buried nearby), Dawood and Sulayman (who enhanced it), and Isa (Jesus). It is believed to house graves of prophets like Sulayman and companions like Ubadah ibn Samit.
Historical Overview
• Ancient Origins: Traditions trace its construction to Prophet Adam, with rebuilds by Ibrahim and expansions by Sulayman around 957 BCE. It evolved from a simple structure into a grand complex.
• Islamic Era: Captured by Caliph Umar in 637 CE, it became a center of worship. The Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik built the Dome of the Rock in 691 CE over the rock from which Muhammad ascended during Mi’raj. The current Al-Aqsa structure dates to the Abbasid and Fatimid periods (8th-11th centuries), with renovations under Crusader rule (used as a palace until Saladin’s recapture in 1187) and Ottoman sultans.
• Key Events: In 1969, an arson attack destroyed parts of the Qibli Mosque, leading to its rebuilding. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote his seminal work Ihya Ulum al-Din there in the 11th century. A nail-free minbar (pulpit) was crafted by Nur ad-Din Zengi in the 12th century.
Architectural and Structural Features
• Layout: The compound spans multiple levels: the highest includes the Dome of the Rock; subterranean areas feature prayer spaces like the Marwani Musalla and ancient gates (e.g., Golden Gate, Buraq Gate). It covers one-sixth of Jerusalem’s Old City, with four minarets, wells, canals, and domes.
• The Mosque Itself: The main silver-domed building (Qibli Mosque) seats about 5,000 worshippers. Its mihrab (prayer niche) bears a Quranic inscription linking it to the Isra’ and Mi’raj. The site includes the Al-Buraq Wall (Western Wall), where Muhammad’s steed was tethered.
Cultural and Symbolic Importance
• For Palestinians and Muslims: Beyond religion, Al-Aqsa symbolizes Palestinian identity, resilience, and nationhood. It draws tens of thousands for Friday prayers and Ramadan nights, serving as a spiritual sanctuary.
• Interfaith Reverence: For Jews, the Temple Mount is the holiest site, location of the First and Second Temples (destroyed in 586 BCE and 70 CE). Christians associate it with Jesus’ life. Its UNESCO World Heritage status highlights its global heritage value.
Current Context and Challenges
As of October 2025, Al-Aqsa remains under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War, with the Jordanian Waqf overseeing Islamic affairs. Access restrictions, excavations, and settler incursions have fueled tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often sparking violence. Despite this, it continues to inspire global Muslim solidarity, with calls for protection echoing from leaders like Saudi Arabia’s king. Efforts like lighting the mosque for night prayers during Ramadan emphasize its enduring role in worship.