Simply out of this world absolutely stunning scenery and super emotional and highly spiritual. The history the architecture the simplicity is truly adorable must see experience of a lifetime the feeling of Islam penetrates through your body and mind can’t really put it into words
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Photo: 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.
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"There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his Prophet"
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. Tradition has it that the Prophet Mohammad began his Night Journey here. A fundamental belief of Islam is that "There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his Prophet." It is said that Mohammad, mounted on his magical steed Al-Barak, left from...
MoreThe Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. Tradition has it that the Prophet Mohammad began his Night Journey here. A fundamental belief of Islam is that "There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his Prophet." It is said that Mohammad, mounted on his magical steed Al-Barak, left from here on his Night of Power. The mosque can hold more than 5,000 worshippers for Friday prayers. The mosque is beautifully decorated; the stained-glass windows are over 1,000 years old. Al-Aqsa's grey roof does not stand out; however, the mosque is easy to find if you visit the Temple Mount. By the way, Al-Aqsa has always been the object of controversy. By the way, Christians can enter the mosque, its best to make arrangements in advance.
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Prime reason to visit Israel is to visit Al Aqsa compound . Tha whole place is so serene beautiful and holy. Because of yum kippur theres alot of security at the gates.Jerusalem sells because of the dome of the rock fotos. Allot of relegious tourism in and arround the compound.