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 >>
More tourist attractions in and near the Old City >>
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 261 traveler reviews
the dome of the rock is in the same complex. the al aqsa mosque itself is magnificent and sprawling with gardens and fountains. entry is restricted to muslims so know your prayers if you hope to enter and women need to wear a long skirt and men full trousers. we were very disappointed that...
Morethe dome of the rock is in the same complex. the al aqsa mosque itself is magnificent and sprawling with gardens and fountains. entry is restricted to muslims so know your prayers if you hope to enter and women need to wear a long skirt and men full trousers. we were very disappointed that we were made to shell out a few hundred NIS by a local tout to be able to visit inside. this is not to be done. report this if it happens to you. our guide was amazing but wasnt allowed to enter as he wasnt muslim. however, he found a way for us to get to the all aqsa without going via the western wall and waiting in huge que's.
LessI have always wanted to visit Al Masjid Al Aqsa, The third holiest place in Islam. The only issue was the long interrogations/entry denial at the border I have heard of. While I had to wait with the group for approx. 6 hours at the border, I have to say that I have forgotten...
MoreI have always wanted to visit Al Masjid Al Aqsa, The third holiest place in Islam. The only issue was the long interrogations/entry denial at the border I have heard of. While I had to wait with the group for approx. 6 hours at the border, I have to say that I have forgotten about the bad experience once I reached the old city and stepped on the grounds of the mosque. We prayed inside the mosque on a Friday. It was one of the best moments of my life. I felt very good walking around the mosque and visiting the small Arab shop near by.Not sure if I will go again, I may have to wait until the border issue is resolved.
LessAs we travelled to Jerusalem via Egypt and enduring a 5 hour question and wait in the Israeli border and making against all odds it was an highly emotional moment. All the negativity was wiped away in a simple moment, the min we stepped within the grounds, feeling the peace and tranquility. Words cannot describe...
MoreAs we travelled to Jerusalem via Egypt and enduring a 5 hour question and wait in the Israeli border and making against all odds it was an highly emotional moment. All the negativity was wiped away in a simple moment, the min we stepped within the grounds, feeling the peace and tranquility. Words cannot describe what you feel when stood in front of the mosque. Thanks to everyone’s blessings and prayers was very fortunate to able to pray inside the mosque. This is just the beginning inshallah planning on a another visits but this time for a longer duration.
Less