Al-Aqsa: the third holy mosque of Islamic faith

 After Trump announcement declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel,  it is important to remind the world of the importance of Al-Aqsa, the  third holy site of the islamic faith. 

 It is in Jerusalem, called Al Quds in arabic, that is located Masjid  Al-Aqsa. After Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in  Medina, Al-Aqsa is the third holy mosque in Islam.  

 In the Quran, God emphasized the sacred nature of the place. God made  not only Al-Aqsa a blessed and holy place, but jerusalem as a whole. 

 Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques :  Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger, and the Mosque of  Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem). (Al-Bukhari) 

A  prayer in the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah] is worth 100,000 prayers, a  prayer in my mosque [in Madinah] is worth 1000, and a prayer in  Jerusalem [Al-Aqsa Mosque] is worth 500 prayers more than in any other  mosque. (Al-Bukhari)

Masjid Al-Aqsa

Al Aqsa was also the second mosque build on earth, it was built 40 years after the Kaabah. For many centuaries, Al Aqsa was a place of worship for the prophets of Allah.
It  was a well known place of worship at the time of Prophet Ibrahim. The  prophet  Prophet Dawud (David), Sulayman (Solomon) and `Isa (Jesus)  among many others all used Al Aqsa as a place of worship to Allah. Allah  said in the Quran:

 O fire, be coolness and safety  upon Abraham.  And they intended for him harm, but We made them the  greatest losers. And We delivered him and Lot to the land which We had  blessed for the worlds. (Surat Al-Anbiya, verse 69- 71)

And  to Solomon [We subjected] the wind, blowing forcefully, proceeding by  his command toward the land which We had blessed. And We are ever, of  all things, Knowing. (Surat Al-Anbiya verse 81)

Jerusalem and Al Aqsa hold a particular importance for muslims because it was  there that the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascension through  the heavens (al Ma’araj) took place, during his miraculous journey from  Makkah to Masjid al Aqsa (al Isra).After reaching Al-Aqsa, the  prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led prayers in congregation that  was attended by all the previous Prophets (peace and be upon them all).  This is what makes Al-Aqsa so unique and special for it is the only  place where all the prophets of Allah prayed together.

The  conflict happening is not only Israel/Palestine conflict but also  Zionism/Muslims conflict. It is the duty of every muslims to visit and  defend Al-Aqsa against the oppressor that only seek to destroy it.

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:Messenger  of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it  with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if  he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form  of Faith".[Muslim].

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