Most Muslims have realised how important Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine is to their faith. However, many still wonder why Al-Aqsa Mosque is important for Muslims? The holy mosque, located in the heart of Jerusalem, is rich in history and closely related to the spirituality of a Muslim. The Qur’an has also affirmed that this mosque is a place full of blessings.
Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Qur’an
For Muslims, Al-Aqsa Mosque is more than just a historical site. It is also a living symbol of Muslims’ connection to the faith and history of Islam. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque is affirmed in the Qur’an surah Al-Isra. In the verse, Allah swt tells the story of Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous Isra Mi’raj journey.
‘Glory be to Allah, Who has travelled His servant one night from the Sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque, which We have favoured around it, that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ (QS. Al-Isra’: 1)
This verse emphasises how blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings are. It also glorifies Allah, the Almighty, who led the Prophet on a night journey from the Grand Mosque in Mecca to the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Firstly, the land around the mosque is blessed by Allah to be fertile. Fertile here has two meanings, namely that it can produce a variety of plants and fruits, so that its citizens become prosperous. As well as, being the place of revelation for the prophets of Allah as well as being their residence. These are all signs of His greatness and power.
Secondly, the majesty of Allah is illustrated in this verse because of the Isra Mi’raj event that the Prophet went through. The reason Allah travelled the Prophet was to show him the signs of His greatness. The signs were witnessed by the Prophet on his journey from the Grand Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque, in the form of valuable experiences, steadfastness in the face of various trials, and how vast the universe is and how great Allah is. The new experiences witnessed by the Prophet Muhammad were then very useful for him in strengthening his heart to face various kinds of obstacles from his people, and to believe in the truth of God’s revelation, both those he had received and those he would receive.
Read also: Boycott Movement to Support Palestine, Should a Muslim Do it?
Why is Al-Aqsa Mosque Important?
Here are some reasons why Al-Aqsa Mosque is important for Muslims around the world:
Muslims’ First Qibla
Before the Kaaba in Makkah became the only Qibla for prayer, Al-Aqsa Mosque was the first Qibla of Muslims. This happened during the early period of Islam, in the early years when Prophet Muhammad was appointed as a prophet. This event is certainly an important part of Islamic history.
The shift of Qibla from Al-Aqsa to Kaaba happened after Allah’s guidance to the Prophet. Although the Qibla has moved, the connection between Muslims and this holy place still continues. The story of the Qibla shift is also mentioned in the Qur’an surah Al-Baqarah verses 142-144.
‘And likewise We have made you (Muslims) a just and chosen people that you may bear witness to the people and that the Messenger (Muhammad) may bear witness to you. And We did not establish the Qiblah to which you are now turning but that We might know (so that it would be clear) who follows the Messenger and who defects. And indeed (the transfer of the Qiblah) is very hard, except for those whom Allah has guided; and Allah will not waste your faith. Verily, Allah is merciful to mankind.’ (QS. Al-Baqarah: 143)
There are a number of reasons why Allah swt ordered the shift of Qibla from Masjidil Aqsa to Masjidil Haram. First, in order to remove the confusion of the people. Because, at that time there were some differences of opinion among the companions regarding the right Qibla direction. The command of Allah Swt then provides certainty and unites the Qibla direction of all Muslims.
Second, to strengthen the identity of Muslims. By making the Kaaba the Qibla, Allah swt confirms the identity of Muslims and separates them from other religions (Jews and Christians) who also make Al-Aqsa Mosque the Qibla.
Thirdly, to honour the Kaaba, because it is the first house of Allah on earth, and by making the Kaaba the Qibla, Muslims have shown their respect and love for Allah.
The Night of Isra Mi’raj
The night journey (Isra) and ascension to the heavens (Mi’raj) is one of the most remarkable events in Islamic history. The Prophet Muhammad was miraculously taken by Allah Swt from the Grand Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque.
That night, 27 Rajab in the 10th year of the Prophet, Allah commanded the angel Gabriel to take him to the Aqsa Mosque in a vehicle called buraq. Upon arrival, the Prophet prayed and became the Imam over the other prophets (Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa). This was the culmination of Muhammad’s prophetic journey that showed his role as the leader of all prophets.
After the prayer, the Prophet was taken up by Allah to the heavens and passed through seven layers. In each layer, Prophet Muhammad met the prophets, starting from Prophet Adam, Isa, Moses, to Prophet Ibrahim. He witnessed divine wonders that are beyond human understanding.
Thus, Al-Aqsa Mosque became the gateway through which Prophet Muhammad experienced divine events. This event symbolised his spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah.
Read also: Caring for Palestine: A Never-ending Struggle for All Muslims in the World
Great Rewards for Praying in Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once spoke about the special reward that his followers would receive if they prayed at this blessed mosque. In a hadith narrated by Imam Baihaqi, the Prophet said:
‘One prayer in the Grand Mosque is better than one hundred thousand prayers in other mosques, one thousand prayers in my mosque, and five hundred prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque.’ (Ibn Majah)
The hadith above explains that Al-Aqsa Mosque has a special virtue in Islam. Praying or praying in this holy mosque is worth 500 times better than praying in other mosques. This shows how important Al-Aqsa Mosque is in the history of Islam, including as the first Qibla of Muslims, and its role in the Isra Mi’raj event of Prophet Muhammad.
One of the Holiest Places
Today, Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as one of the three holiest sites in Islam, after the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the An-Nabawi Mosque in Medina. Each of these sites plays an important role in the lives of Muslims, as it represents the physical manifestation of faith, worship, and relationship with Allah.
To this day, Al-Aqsa continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world, despite the conditions, challenges, and conflicts that continue to this day. For Muslims, visiting and praying at this mosque is not only an act of worship, but also a way to honour the legacy of the Prophets, including Prophet Muhammad. Also, to reconnect with a precious part of Islamic history.
Friends, these are some of the privileges and reasons why Al-Aqsa Mosque is important for Muslims. No wonder we are commanded to protect it with all our might, material, and faith. This mosque in Palestine is more than just a physical building. It is also a symbol of our faith, unity, and spiritual improvement as Muslims.
The significance of this mosque lies in its Qur’anic revelation, prophetic tradition, and profound history that resonates with Muslims around the world. Despite the trials and tribulations that our brothers and sisters in Palestine have faced throughout history, Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a beacon of hope, peace, and devotion. Guard Al-Aqsa Mosque, Guard Palestine! (RQA)
