PALESTINE —-— Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in East Jerusalem ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on February 16, 2026. The Imam was banned from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for a week without any clear reason.
These arbitrary actions by Israel seem to follow a pattern every time Ramadan approaches and during the month itself. Without clear reasons, they prohibit Jerusalemites from worshipping inside Al-Aqsa Mosque.
When Dompet Dhuafa visited Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of Ramadan, we saw Israeli soldiers expelling and prohibiting Palestinian youth from entering and performing the dawn prayer. Only senior citizens were allowed to enter to worship. Israel’s arbitrary actions have prompted administrators, scholars, and Palestinian Muslims in Jerusalem to continuously invite Muslims around the world to come, pray, and prosper Al-Aqsa Mosque.
When Dompet Dhuafa had the opportunity to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque, we met one of the mosque administrators, Sheikh Majdi. He wrote a message for the Indonesian people on a piece of paper.
The following is a message from the Al-Aqsa Mosque Administrator, Sheikh Majdi, to the Indonesian people who care about Al-Aqsa and Palestine:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Glory be to Allah, who transported His servant on a night journey from the Sacred Mosque to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“No journey (specifically for worship) should be undertaken except to three mosques: the Sacred Mosque, this mosque of mine (the Prophet’s Mosque), and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
We always invite and urge our brothers and sisters from all over the Islamic world to make a journey to the blessed Masjid al-Aqsa and to emphasize the importance of visiting this blessed place.
In particular, we call on our brothers and sisters from Indonesia, whom we love dearly, and we look forward to your visit in the near future.
Jazakumullahu khairan
This message is in line with the invitation and appeal of the Palestinian people, especially in Jerusalem, to Muslims around the world to come and visit Al-Aqsa Mosque. This is especially important during Ramadan, when Israel usually carries out a series of intimidation and attacks on the Palestinian people in Jerusalem.
Read also: Why is Al-Aqsa Mosque important for Muslims?
This Ramadan, Dompet Dhuafa will also distribute donations from the Indonesian people to Al-Aqsa Mosque. These donations will be used to provide iftar meals for residents who are fasting during Ramadan. Additionally, it will provide assistance to hafiz and hafizah at Masjid Al Aqsa. Dompet Dhuafa has also distributed 300 copies of the Quran as waqf, which were delivered to Masjid Al Aqsa at the beginning of Ramadan.
Friends, you can be part of protecting the Guardians of Al-Aqsa, namely the Palestinian Muslim residents of Jerusalem, through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/jagaalquds. Let’s join in protecting and safeguarding the Guardians of Al-Aqsa, Baitul Maqdis, the first qibla of Muslims. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Suci N Qadarsih
Editor: Ronna