Bayt al-Maqdis

Also known as Bayt-ul-Maqdis (masjid al-Aqsa) has great importance for all three religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Its rich and unique history makes it very special. It was the first Qibla the direction where Muslims lead their prayers.

Masjid al-Aqsa is the third holiest place for Muslims, after Holy Kaabah and Masjid al-Nabawi. It is the second house of Allah to be built on Earth. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: –

“A prayer in the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) is worth 100, 000 prayers, a prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is worth 1, 000 and a prayer in Jerusalem is worth 500 prayers more than in an any other mosque.” (Bukhari)

There is a great reward for starting Hajj or Umrah from the Holy masjid al-Aqsa. According to a narration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): –

‘Whosoever starts his Umrah or Haj from Masjid al Aqsa his wrong actions will be forgiven, both past and future.’ In another version, he is reported to have said that Paradise would be his reward. (Targheeb)

Masjid al-Aqsa is surrounded with several mosques and historically significant places. This is the reason why the wider area where Masjid al-Aqsa is located is collectively known as Haram Ash-Sharif. The Noble Sanctuary. The other religious places in Haram Ash-Sharif include Masjid al- Bura q and Masjid al-Marwani.

The glorious golden Dome is the distinctive feature of Bayt-ul-Maqdis. The Dome of Rock is considered to be the first Dome ever displayed in the history of Islamic architecture. Later on it became the identity mark of Islamic architecture.

Masjid al-Aqsa The mosque of Prophets

Masjid al-Aqsa is the mosque that holds significance for most of the prophets sent to Earth by Allah. the first time it was built by Hazrat Adam (AS) as a place of worship. Some people hold the opinion that it was first built by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Bayt-ul-Maqdis was rebuilt and renovated many times.

Masjid al-Aqsa was a place of worship even during the times Hazrat Ibrahim’s sons Hazrat Ismail (AS) and Hazrat Ishaaq (AS). His grandson Hazrat Yaqub (AS) and his son Hazrat Yusuf (AS) also witnessed the glory of Masjid al-Aqsa as a reverent place of worship.

Hazrat Dawood (AS) conquered Palestine and ruled over Jerusalem. Masjid al-Aqsa was reconstructed by his son Prophet Suleiman (AS).

The reverence of Bayt-ul-Maqdis was such that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to talk about the mosque quite often to his companions. Hundreds of Allah’s prophets and messengers are buried at this place. Even many of companions are laid to rest here.

The night of Ascension and Masjid al-Aqsa

One of the biggest reasons why Masjid al-Aqsa is so important for Muslims, the journey of Ascension took place from Masjid al-Aqsa.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was deeply grieved after the deaths of beloved in his life, his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib and his wife Hazrat Khadijah (RA).

In order to show him the signs of Allah and please his beloved Prophet. Allah gifted the journey of Miraaj to Muhammad (PBUH). Angel Gabriel (AS) took the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Bayt-ul-Maqdis on a white Buraq. A winged horse within no time.

When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reached there than he was met and greeted by all the previous prophets. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all the prophets in the prayers in Bayt-ul-Maqdis. Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was ascended to the Heavens for the glorious journey. Allah says in the Holy Quran: –

“Glorified be He [Allah] Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from Al Masjid Al Haram to Al Masjid Al Aqsa, whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our Signs. Verily He is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing” [17:1].