When we think of a historic religious site, the iconic Masjid al Aqsa comes to mind. You wouldn’t believe that this significant place holds deep and untold secrets. Let’s uncover the must-know facts about the great Masjid Al Aqsa from its foundation to its current importance till now!
Unveiling The Top 8 Facts About Masjid Al Aqsa
So what’s so fascinating about this mosque that people are still dying to claim it? What makes it so special? What secrets lie under these four walls? Why is it so significant for Muslims? We will uncover all the important facts about Masjid Al Aqsa that you are missing out!
1. The Original Masjid Al-Aqsa Dome Had a Very Different Appearance
Source: https://rahyafteha.ir/en/2995/masjid-al-aqsa-in-islamic-history/
The famous golden-colored dome of Masjid Al Aqsa that we all see today was constructed thousands of years ago under the rule of the Ottoman emperor Sulaiman the Magnificent. The initial dome was constructed out of wood, and covered in pottery, brass, and lead. He ordered the workers to install Ottoman tiles on the mosque’s exterior and a unique golden overlay on the dome.
2. First Qiblah For Muslims
Another main fact of Masjid Al Aqsa is that this mosque was Islam’s first Qiblah (direction of prayer), according to Islamic verses. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Muslim Ummah used to perform Salah facing the Noble Sanctuary in Jerusalem, Masjid al Aqsa (Baitul Muqadas). After Allah SWT command muslims changed their qibla to Holy Qabba.
3. It originally housed a famous minbar
Source: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1315147/portal-and-door-of-the-photograph-kac-creswell/
A unique minbar in Masjid Al Aqsa was installed by the command of Imad ad-Din Zengi (a member of the Turkish dynasty). Do you know that this stunning minbar was constructed without the use of any glue or nails at all? Sadly, Imad ad-Din did not live to witness the final results, but his protégé Salahuddin carried out his teacher’s intention by installing the minbar following Jerusalem’s second liberation in Islamic history.
4. Length of Masjid Al Aqsa
Masjid Al Aqsa is 184 feet (56 meters) in width and 272 feet (83 meters) in length. It has an incredible capacity to accommodate up to 500,000 worshippers at a time, the Mosque’s rectangular construction covers 35 acres (14.4 hectares).
5. Masjid Al Aqsa has a Library
Source: https://isravakfi.org/wiki/en/index.php/Al-Aqsa_Library
The Supreme Muslim Legislative Council founded the Al-Aqsa Library in 1923. It contains a collection of rare manuscripts and published works on Islamic and Arabic studies.
7. Repeatedly damaged but still resilient
A fact that Masjid Al Aqsa has gone through multiple reconstructions before being caught in the crossfire of the Israeli occupation.
- A succession of earthquakes that rocked Jerusalem in the 700s largely destroyed the mosque.
- Violence has occurred there multiple times since the Israeli army took over Jerusalem in 1967.
- Denis Michael Rohan, an Australian, set fire to the mosque’s pulpit in 1969.
- Israeli military personnel have also launched many assaults on the location, carrying out random attacks every day.
8. The Night Journey (Al Miraj)
A significant fact about Masjid Al-Aqsa is that Muslims hold it in great respect because they believe that the Prophet Muhammad traveled from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Al-Aqsa before ascending to the seven heavens. This miraculous night is known as Al-Israa Wal-Mi’raj and is one of the most major events in the Islamic calendar.
It is stated that Prophet Muhammad rode a heavenly creature during “The Night Journey,” ascending to Paradise after passing through Jerusalem.
Conclusion:
Masjid Al Aqsa is more than a mosque; it is an image of history, resiliency, and faith. The fascinating facts about Masjid Al Aqsa from its historic beginnings and remarkable architectural design to its deep religious significance and cultural influence make this mosque so special.
Masjid Al Aqsa and its worshippers have endured numerous natural disasters and human conflicts but have consistently risen from the ashes. It still plays a significant role in the Muslim world, symbolizing hope and a constant reminder of the power that comes from endurance and solidarity.
You must visit Masjid Al Aqsa and experience this incredible art and history with guaranteed safety.
