Umm Muhammed Umar

Aqsa week commenced last week and will continue for most of this week, launched in 2017 to enlighten people about Masjidul Al-Aqsa, its history and significance, it’s meant to coincide with Isra wal Me’raj. As part of Aqsa week, Radio Islam spoke to Professor Mustafa Abu Sway. Professor Abu Sway was at one stage declared amongst the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. He was appointed as the first holder of the integral chair for the study of Imam Ghazali’s work at Masjidul Aqsa and at Al Quds University in 2012. Further, he has been Professor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies at Al Quds University in Jerusalem, Palestine, since 1996.

Professor Abu Sway said that today, specifically, they were celebrating and commemorating the Isra wal Mi’raj, which was part and parcel of Islamic creed. He reminded us that AlAqsa was not only one of the most sacred places in Islam, but also one of the three Masaajid that we are encouraged to travel to for spiritual reasons. Professor Abu Sway said, “Of course, we have pilgrimage – Hajj and Umrah – we visit the mosque of our Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), and Al Aqsa Mosque is part of the holy cities, is part of the Holy Land (al Ardhu Muqadatha) in the in the Quran.” He added that Al Aqsa was also mentioned in the Hadith, where Maymoona (RA) asked him (SAW) to define our relationship with Jerusalem. Masjidul Aqsa was also linked to end of time scenarios, the land of gathering and resurrection, and ultimately, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), used “grammatically imperative language”, asking Muslims to go and pray there, and spoke about the extra merits of praying at Masjidul Aqsa.

Muslims from across the globe visit the mosque, and Prof Abu Sway said that hat was very important in terms of supporting the Palestinian economy, and that those who visit end up becoming ambassadors of goodwill. He said that Al Aqsa week certainly did create awareness, with conferences and other activities being held. He added that it was very important that people worked with their politicians and representatives in their respective Parliament’s around the world, to protect the historical, religious and administrative status quo status quo of Jerusalem.

Professor Abu Sway was not fazed at the prospect people becoming desensitized regarding the issue of Al Aqsa, due to the continuing occupation. He said, “I don’t see people forgetting a lot….to the contrary. They come from all over the world. We see it at the end of Ramadan, especially. The last 10 days, we can see hundreds if not thousands of people coming and staying in Jerusalem, and praying, and having Itikaaf in Al Aqsa Mosque.” Further, he stressed that while Al Aqsa possessed a great history, it was not about history or archaeology, but was a place that was part and parcel of the Islamic Faith and worldview.