The history of Al-Aqsa Mosque extends for thousands of years, with Prophet Abraham the Friend (PBUH) believed to be among the first to build a place of worship and turn to Allah at this blessed site in the heart of Jerusalem. Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered one of the oldest mosques in the world and has a rich history that witnesses the passage of prophets and righteous people through it across different ages and successive civilizations. This blessed land witnessed the birth of religions, the descent of revelation, and great miracles demonstrating Allah's power over all things.

Why is Al-Aqsa Mosque So Important?

Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just a place for prayer, but it is the first qibla and the third holiest site in Islam. It is the place from which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken on the Night Journey to the highest heavens, and from there began the great ascension journey. Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered one of the holiest places in Islam and has a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. Prayer in it is equivalent to 500 prayers in other mosques, making it a destination for Muslims from everywhere.

Pre-Islamic Era

Era of Prophet Abraham (PBUH)

The history of this blessed site dates back to the era of Prophet Abraham (PBUH), who is believed to have built the first place of worship at this location. Abraham (PBUH) visited Jerusalem with his son Ishmael (PBUH) and made this place a site for turning to Allah and supplication. The Torah and Gospel mention that Abraham offered his sacrifice at this location, adding to its sanctity in the Abrahamic religions. Abraham (PBUH) prayed to Allah to bless this site and his progeny, and Allah answered his prayer and made it a source of blessing and goodness.

Era of Prophet Solomon (PBUH)

Prophet Solomon (PBUH) built the Holy Temple at this blessed location around 1000 BCE, and it became an important center for worship. The Temple was destroyed twice in history, then rebuilt by the Jews. But the place remained blessed and holy in all heavenly religions. Solomon (PBUH) used the best engineers and craftsmen in building the Temple, and decorated it with gold, silver, and precious stones. Solomon (PBUH) made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom and made it a center for culture, religion, and trade.

Byzantine Period

During the Byzantine period, churches were built at the site, but the place remained respected by both Christians and Muslims. Jerusalem maintained its sacred status as the city of prophets and messengers. During this period, Emperor Constantine built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, adding to the city's religious importance. Muslims and Christians alike respected this blessed site and maintained its sanctity.

The Great Islamic Conquest

Conquest of Jerusalem During Umar's Caliphate

During the caliphate of the Rightly Guided Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), Jerusalem was conquered in 15 AH (636 CE). Umar entered the city himself and prayed two rak'ahs at Al-Aqsa Mosque in gratitude to Allah for the blessed conquest. The people of Jerusalem were given security for their lives, property, and churches. This great conquest was a turning point in Jerusalem's history, as it became an Islamic city, and Al-Aqsa Mosque became a center for Islamic worship.

Building the First Mosque

Umar ibn Al-Khattab ordered the construction of a mosque at the blessed site, and the first congregational prayer was held at Al-Aqsa Mosque after the conquest. Umar built a simple wooden mosque at the site, which became a center for worship and education. This mosque was simple but sacred, and the Companions and Tabi'un prayed there. Umar ibn Al-Khattab laid the foundation for Al-Aqsa Mosque as a center for Islamic worship in Jerusalem.

Expansion During Uthman's Caliphate

During the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (RA), the mosque was rebuilt and expanded, with new facilities added. The mosque continued to expand during the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. Uthman ibn Affan added new halls and improved the mosque's infrastructure. He made the mosque a place for education, where scholars would study the Quran and Sunnah.

Umayyad Era

Building the Dome of the Rock

During the caliphate of the Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, the Dome of the Rock was built in 72 AH (691 CE) by the architect Raja ibn Haywah. The Dome of the Rock became a prominent Islamic landmark and a symbol of Jerusalem. The Dome of the Rock is considered a unique architectural masterpiece and demonstrates the greatness of Islamic art. The Dome was designed in a distinctive Islamic style and decorated with Islamic decorations and Quranic verses. The golden Dome shone in the sky of Jerusalem and became a symbol of the holy city.

Building the Current Al-Aqsa Mosque

The current Al-Aqsa Mosque was built during the caliphate of the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abdul Malik in 90 AH (709 CE). The mosque was designed in a unique Islamic architectural style, with domes, minarets, and Islamic decorations added. The current Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, with its magnificent architectural design and beautiful Islamic decorations. Prayer halls, libraries, and educational facilities were added. The mosque became a center for Islamic culture and religious education.

Umayyad Architectural Achievements

During the Umayyad era, Al-Aqsa Mosque witnessed a great architectural renaissance. The Dome of the Rock, the current Al-Aqsa Mosque, and many facilities were built. The Umayyads used the best engineers and craftsmen and introduced new architectural styles. The mosque was decorated with mosaics, Islamic decorations, and Quranic verses. Al-Aqsa Mosque became a model for Islamic art and Islamic architecture.

Abbasid Era

Expansion and Renewal

During the Abbasid era, the mosque continued to expand and undergo renewal. New facilities were added, and parts of it were repaired. The mosque maintained its status as a center for worship and education. The Abbasids added new halls and improved the mosque's infrastructure. They made the mosque a place for scholars and jurists, where they would study and issue fatwas. The mosque continued to expand and renew throughout the Abbasid era.

Mamluk Era

Major Renewals

During the Mamluk era, Al-Aqsa Mosque underwent major renewals under Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars and Sultan Qaitbay. New facilities were added, and parts of it were repaired. The mosque maintained its sacred status. The Mamluks added schools, libraries, and educational facilities. They improved the mosque's infrastructure and repaired damaged parts. They made the mosque a center for religious education and Islamic culture.

Mamluk Achievements

The Mamluks added many architectural achievements to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Mamluk schools were built around the mosque, such as the Ashrafiyya School and the Tankiziyya School. Libraries and educational facilities were added. The Mamluks improved the mosque's infrastructure and repaired damaged parts. They made the mosque a center for scholars and jurists, where they would study and issue fatwas.

Ottoman Era

Ottoman Renewals

During the Ottoman era, Al-Aqsa Mosque underwent major renewals under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Sultan Abdul Majid. New facilities were added, and parts of it were repaired. The mosque maintained its sacred status. The Ottomans added new halls and improved the mosque's infrastructure. They repaired the domes and minarets and added new decorations. They made the mosque a place for worship and education.

Ottoman Achievements

Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent added many architectural achievements to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Ottoman walls were built around Jerusalem, and new gates were added. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent repaired the Dome of the Rock and added new decorations. Sultan Abdul Majid repaired Al-Aqsa Mosque and added new facilities. The Ottomans made the mosque a center for worship and education.

Modern Era and Challenges

Israeli Occupation

In modern times, Al-Aqsa Mosque faces continuous threats and repeated attacks from Israeli occupation. However, it remains standing and symbolizes the resilience of Muslims in Palestine. All Muslims must protect this mosque and preserve its Islamic identity and rich history. The Israeli occupation attempts to change the mosque's identity, but Muslims stand firm and maintain its sanctity.

Historical Importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just a place for prayer, but a living record of the history of prophets and messengers. From this place, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens, and from there began the great ascension journey. This makes Al-Aqsa Mosque a fundamental axis in Islamic and world history. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the first qibla and the third holiest site, and it is the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all prophets in prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Old is Al-Aqsa Mosque?

The history of Al-Aqsa Mosque dates back thousands of years. It is believed that Prophet Abraham (PBUH) built the first place of worship at this site around 2000 BCE. The current Al-Aqsa Mosque was built during the caliphate of the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abdul Malik in 90 AH (709 CE). The Dome of the Rock was built in 72 AH (691 CE). Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered one of the oldest mosques in the world.

Why is Al-Aqsa Mosque So Important?

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the first qibla and the third holiest site in Islam. It is the place from which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken on the Night Journey to the highest heavens. Prayer in it is equivalent to 500 prayers in other mosques. Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered one of the holiest places in Islam and has a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world.

How Can You Request a Du'a from Al-Aqsa?

We offer a service to record a personal prayer from inside Al-Aqsa Mosque. A Muslim residing in Jerusalem records a special prayer for you on video from within the sacred sanctuary and sends it to you within 48-72 hours. You can request the prayer for any purpose: for health, success, marriage, children, or any other matter you desire.

What Types of Du'a Can I Request?

You can request any type of prayer:

- Du'a for health and healing from diseases

- Du'a for success, livelihood, and blessings

- Du'a for marriage and righteous children

- Du'a for family and children protection

- General du'a for goodness and blessings in life

- Du'a for fulfilling needs and relieving distress

Is This Service Available Worldwide?

Yes, we serve Muslims all around the world. Regardless of your location, you can receive a personal prayer video recorded from Al-Aqsa Mosque. We send videos via email in MP4 format that works on all devices. We serve Muslims in America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Wherever you are, you can get a prayer from Al-Aqsa.

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