Masjid Al Aqsa is the holy place not important to christians and jews but also to muslims. This is a place of miracles and tremendous energy. This the place where the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) led the prophets in prayer (The Story of Miraj). The history of the miraculous place also has a few controversies which misleads to tensions in the middle east. Let’s unveil these tensions today.
Location of Masjid Al Aqsa
Masjid Al Aqsa is situated in the middle eastern country of Palestine (Currently under Israel military control) in the holy city of Jerusalem.
Why is this Mosque so important for Muslims, Jews, and Christians
For Muslims
Third Holiest Site
After the religious places of the Kabbah (House of Allah located in Makkah) and the Masjid Al Nabawi (Located in Madina) the Masjid Al Aqsa comes as the third most holiest and religious site.
Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 1189):
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Do not set out on a journey except to three mosques: Masjid al-Haram (in Makkah), Masjid Al Aqsa (in Jerusalem), and this mosque of mine (in Medina).”
Qibla before Kabbah
It is because before the Kabbah, The Bait Al Muqaddas that is the whole Masjid Al Aqsa was seen as the Qibla. Near 624 CE in the second year of Hijrat Nabwi ( Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) ) the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) changed direction during the prayer in Madina.
Sahih Bukhari (Volume 1, Book 8, Hadith 397):
Narrated by Al-Bukhari:
“We were with the Prophet (PBUH) when the qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah. We were praying with him in a mosque in the direction of Jerusalem. The people turned their faces towards the Kaaba when the Prophet (PBUH) turned his face towards it.”
Sahih Muslim (Book 4, Hadith 758):
Narrated by Ibn Umar:
“When the qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered that the people be informed about the change. Then, they turned their faces towards the Kaaba while they were still in their prayer (Salat).”
Deep Connection with previous Prophets
Masjid Al Aqsa has a vast connection to previous prophets, starting from the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to Prophet Isa (A.S) (Also known as Jesus Christ ). This Masjid was established by Prophet Adam (A.S) or by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and further built by Prophet Sulaiman (A.S).
Deep Connection with Islamic Heritage and Culture
Masjid Al Aqsa has a deep connection with islamic heritage and culture. Masjid Al Aqsa has been a significant place for islamic teaching and prayers. This makes it deeply linked with the islamic culture especially after the year 637 CE when the christians peacefully handed the key of the city to Khalifa of that time Umar ibn Khattab.
Isra and Miraj
During the event of Isra and Miraj. The prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) led the other prophets in prayer and then ascended to the heavens from the Dome of the Rock which is also situated in Masjid Al Aqsa.
Surah Al-Isra (17:1):
“Glory be to the One Who took His servant by night from the Masjid al-Haram to the Masjid Al Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We might show him of Our signs. Verily, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”
For the Jews
The main Historical and Religious significance (i.e the temples)
First Temple
The temples are the main important linkage for the jews to this holy place. Prophet Sulaiman (A.S) built the first temple in this exact same place. This was the first temple but was destroyed in 586 BCE by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. He attacked Jerusalem, burned the temple, and took many Israelites into captivity — known as the Babylonian Exile.
1 Kings 6:1:
“In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, he began to build the temple of the Lord.”
Second Temple
The second temple was built by Zerubbabel who was the descendant of Prophet Dawood (A.S) (known as David) in the year of 516 BCE. This temple was further expanded and improved by the king Herod the Great. This temple was destroyed by the Romans around 70 CE.
Nehemiah 2:17:
“Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.’”
Third Temple
The third temple is possibly believed by the Orthodox jews (A section or Firqa of Jews) to be built on the Masjid Al Aqsa. Many of them believed they are going to destroy the Masjid for it, sparking a major controversy in the muslim world. However, not all jews believe it and some even oppose this notion.
Ezekiel 40:5-7:
“I saw a wall completely surrounding the temple area. The length of each side of the temple was to be measured, and the dimensions were provided in detail.”
This section contains the detailed description of the future temple.
The Test Prophet Ibrahim
Jews believe that the place where Jerusalem was built is the place where “binding of Isaac” (The test taken by Allah from Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his son) took place. Moreover, many other important events took place here.
Genesis 22:1-19 (The Binding of Isaac):
Genesis 22:1-2:
“Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’”
The Throne of Solomon and the Western Wall
The Jews pray in the western wall that is located in the West of Masjid Al Aqsa. Moreover, the throne of Solomon also existed somewhere in the same area of present Masjid Al Aqsa but not confirmed where exactly it lay.
Central Part for the Jewish Society
As we all know that just like Kabbah is the main holy place for Muslims, similarly for Jews The Temple which was in the same place of Masjid Al Aqsa and who knows may be built for the 3rd time in the future. The Jews from all parts of the world come to pray here.
For Christians
Christians and muslims all believe that the Prophet Isa (A.S) used to teach and guide the sons of Israel back to the correct and original beliefs. They also believe that Jesus was not crucified but ascended to heaven. It is stated in the bible in this way:
Bible Reference (Acts 1:9-11):
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”
(Acts 1:9-11, New Testament)
Controversies Surrounding Masjid Al Aqsa
Israel-Palestine Conflict
When many of the jews after the Holocaust and world war 2 came many countries including the USA, UK, France, rejected to accept them but the people of Palestine welcomed them with a warm heart. Now the Israelites claim that the land of Palestine is theirs and they must control it. Since then the Israel Palestine conflict has begun and Israel has killed a large number of lives in the west bank, Jerusalem and Gaza.
This has led to numerous casualties of children and women. Al Jazeera is the best and most reliable platform where you can see the latest conditions and casualties on the land of Masjid Al Aqsa.
Religious and Cultural Tensions
The holy land of Palestine where the Masjid Al Aqsa lies is the main home for Judaism and Islam (Mainly). Now this has resulted in huge conflicts that have led to war between the religions.
Political Influence
The Land of Palestine is also a land of very big political influence. After the holocaust since the jews have migrated from Europe, this land became full of tensions. Even many historians state the accommodation of Jew immigrants was one of the most dangerous and biggest mistakes of the Palestinians.
Defending of Palestine by Hamas
Hamas is a diplomatic organization founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin to liberate the land of the religious Masjid Al Aqsa. Many countries and even the United Nations (UN)see it as a political and diplomatic organization as everyone knows the truth behind Israel and its false claims. Hamas has always defended muslims of Gaza and West Bank and many other areas of Palestinian territory. It was the first organization to use armed forces to defend its rights.
Conclusion
From this article, we conclude that Masjid Al Aqsa is a place of high political and religious influence. The very depths of religious heritages lie in the land of the mosque of Al Aqsa. Whether Islam, or Judaism, and even Christianity this land has a huge influence in the history of their religion. The miraculous place even after so many significance remains surrounded by controversies and wars.