Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem includes the golden domed Masjid called the Dome of the Rock and the grey domed Masjid called Masjid Al-Qibly. The whole compound that houses both these Masajid is Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Al-Aqsa was the first Qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims.
A single prayer in Al-Aqsa is rewarded 500 times more than anywhere else, other than Makkah and Madina.
Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) started the Night Journey in Makkah then travelled to Masjid Al-Aqsa before ascending to the heavens.
A deeper dive.
Al-Aqsa mosque is a sacred sanctuary in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims and an important symbol of Palestinian resistance.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, which has been under illegal Israeli occupation since 1967 according to international law.
The threat to Al-Aqsa increases every day under illegal Israeli occupation. Some Israeli groups wish to build a Jewish temple in the place of Al-Aqsa. The Israeli government frequently allows these groups to visit Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. These provocative visits are known as incursions.
The number of incursions at Al-Aqsa and attacks on Palestinian worshippers have rapidly increased over the last few years. During Ramadan in April 2022, Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa were attacked 7 times in the space of 10 days. Over 250 worshippers were injured, including women, children and the elderly.
Most recently, the leader of an Israeli group has called for the destruction of Al-Aqsa.
Join FOA’s #HandsOffAlAqsa campaign to help protect Al-Aqsa mosque.
Take part in FOA’s Aqsa Week initiative to bring people of all faiths together to learn about Al-Aqsa and its importance.
