The Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surrounding areas hold significant religious and historical importance, particularly in Islam. Here are some reasons:

The Importance of Visiting Masjid Al-Aqsa

Abu Hurayrah (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said:

“Do not undertake a journey to visit any Mosque, but three: this Mosque of mine, the Mosque of al-Haram and the Mosque of Aqsa”

[Sahih Muslim 1397]s

The Second House of Allah on Earth

Abu Dharr (ra) reported that he asked the Prophet (saw), “O Messenger of Allah, which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?” He said, “Al- Masjid-ul-Haram (in Mecca).” I said, “Which was built next?” He replied “The mosque of Al-Aqsa ( in Jerusalem) .” I said, “What was the period of construction between the two?” He said, “Forty years.” He added, “Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due, perform the prayer there, for the best thing is to do so (i.e. to offer the prayers in time)”

[Sahih Bukhari 3366]

Islamic History: Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is one of the oldest mosques in the world. It is associated with several important events in Islamic history, including the Nabi Muhammad (ﷺ) Night Journey and Ascension to the heavens.

Qibla in Early Islam: Initially, Muslims faced Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa, as their qibla (direction of prayer) before it was changed to Mecca. This signifies the early connection of Islam with the holy site.

Al-Bara (ra) narrated that:

“We prayed toward Bait Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for sixteen or seventeen months – Safwan was not sure – then it was changed to the Qiblah.”

[An Nasa’i 488)

rophets and Messengers:P Al-Aqsa is believed to be a place where numerous prophets and messengers, including Prophet Suleiman (as) and Prophet Dawud (as), are associated with religious events in Islamic tradition.

Night Journey of Nabi Muhammad ﷺ: According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was transported from Mecca to Al-Aqsa during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj), where he led other prophets in prayer before ascending to the heavens.

Abu Hurayrah (ra) narrated that:

Allah’s Messenger (saw) was presented with two cups one containing wine and the other milk on the night of his night journey at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the milk. Jibrael said, “Thanks to Allah Who guided you to the Fitra (i.e. Islam); if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.”

[Bukhari vol 6, book 60, Hadith 232]

Ibn Mas’ud (ra) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “I met Ibrahim (ﷺ) on the Night of Ascension (Al-Asra), and he said to me: ‘O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land. The plants grow there by uttering: Subhan-Allah, Al-hamdu lillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar (Allah is free from imperfection; praise be to Allah; there is no true god except Allah; and Allah is Greatest).”

[At- Tirmidhi]

Third Holiest Site in Islam: Al-Aqsa is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Its significance is underscored by its inclusion in the Five Pillars of Islam, particularly the obligation of Muslims to pray towards it.

Jerusalem as an Important City: Jerusalem is considered a sacred city in Islam, and Al-Aqsa Mosque is a symbol of the spiritual and historical ties Muslims have with the city.

The significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its vicinity is deeply rooted in the religious beliefs and historical events that shape Islam. It continues to be a focal point for Muslims around the world.