Went for a week tour. Amazing place so much history and culturally amazing. Spiritually takes you to unbelievable levels. It's like going back in time. Old world charm. Great people.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
A common misconception regarding the Dome of the Rock, which is perhaps the image most associated with the Temple Mount, is that it is a mosque.
In fact, it is a shrine whose significance is derived from the Foundation Stone, which lies at its heart. Indeed, the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Al Masjid Al-Aqsa in Arabic), often confused with the Dome of the Rock, is where Muslims worship when they come to the Mount, which is considered the third holiest site to Islam after Mecca and Medina.
The mosque is the second oldest in the world, after the Kaaba in Mecca. Although Muslim tradition dates Al-Aqsa back to Isaac’s son, Jacob, the mosque was first built at its present location by the Ummayad Caliph Abd al-Malik and his son al-Walid, and completed in 705 CE. In the ensuing centuries, the structure was destroyed by earthquakes several times, always to be restored by the ruling caliph.
The mosque’s name, Al-Aqsa, literally means “the farthest,” and is a reference to Muhammad’s “Night Journey” from Mecca. In this context, “farthest” means “farthest from Mecca” and is widely believed to connote Jerusalem, although the Koran does not mention the city by name.
Besides the different usages, another thing that distinguishes the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Dome of the Rock is its design. As opposed to the Dome of Rock’s Byzantine style, Al-Aqsa Mosque is characteristic of early Islamic architecture. It is 35,000 square meters in size and its larger precincts can contain up to 400,000 worshipers. It has four minarets and a beautiful, tile-covered facade with 14 Romanesque arches. The Al-Aqsa Mosque’s main ablution fountain, known as al-Kas (“the cup”), which is used by worshipers to wash their arms and legs, is located between Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock. It dates back to 709 CE.
The mosque is on the southern end of the Temple Mount, which visitors can access from the Western Wall plaza. Tourists must dress modestly, and women should cover their hair. Shoes are not allowed inside the mosque, but instead are left outside on shelves or carpeting.
More Muslim holy places in Jerusalem >>
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 145 traveler reviews“Spiritually Amazing”
“Palestine Al Aqsa Mosque”
This place, when I first stepped into the Noble Sanctuary, the sight of the gold glimmering from the Dome of the Rock, took my breath away. And then seeing Al Aqsa was surreal. Every time I travel to Palestine it is to visit Al Aqsa, so i can relive the moment...
MoreThis place, when I first stepped into the Noble Sanctuary, the sight of the gold glimmering from the Dome of the Rock, took my breath away. And then seeing Al Aqsa was surreal. Every time I travel to Palestine it is to visit Al Aqsa, so i can relive the moment I first set eyes on it, and truly its always spiritually refreshing. Regardless of what the media says, this is a must see for everyone, and when the Israelis aren't causing trouble the atmosphere there is very peaceful.
Less“Best of the best”
The most beautiful place in the world for me I live in jerusalem and every time i go to al aqsa i feel like i have been born again I cannot explain the feeling May be because it is a holly place for us But still the pretiest place in the world
“Nowhere else like it”
At least once in your life you must visit the Al-Aqsa compound. Nothing compares to the sheer beauty of the al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. It's a religious site full of living history.
“a must !”
i guess visiting this place is prohibited for non-muslims. however you can easily fake it.. just memorize Surat Al Fatiha and the 5 prayers timings because this is common questions that the security will ask you to test if you are a muslim. However, the architect fans will find this place as a masterpiece...
Morei guess visiting this place is prohibited for non-muslims. however you can easily fake it.. just memorize Surat Al Fatiha and the 5 prayers timings because this is common questions that the security will ask you to test if you are a muslim. However, the architect fans will find this place as a masterpiece ! the golden dome is simply one of the best ARTS i have ever seen in my life. try to avoid this place in Friday because it is the prayer day for Muslims and clashes are expected usually in addition to crowded old city at the same day!
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