Significance of Masjid-Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Haram Al-Shareef)

Significance of Jerusalem and Haram Al-Shareef in Islam

To Muslims, Jerusalem houses one of the holiest Mosques, the Masjid-al-Aqsa and represents a place of greatest religious significance. Muslims call to rule over Jerusalem is not driven by colonist, nationalist or material motives. The love of every grain in the Holy City is sacred to Muslims. Muslims respect all the Prophets revered by Judaism and Christianity and their venerated places are also central to the ethos of Islam.

To quote a few Quranic verses and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) with regard to Jerusalem will indicate the importance Masjid al Aqsa and therefore Jerusalem has assumed upon the Muslims hearts.

Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Israa wal Me’raaj)

1. The miraculous journey of the holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) from Makkah to Masjid al Aqsa (al Isra) and his ascension through the heavens (al Ma’araj) has linked Jerusalem to the Muslims hearts and minds. The Holy Quran states:

Glory to Allah who did take His Servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) to the Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) whose precincts We did bless (al-Isra 17: 1)

Prophet Muhammad’s travel to the heavens

The Lord Almighty had it in His power to have taken Prophet Muhammad from Makkah straight up to the heavens. However, to impress the importance of Jerusalem upon Muslims the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) was first taken to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem.

Prophet Muhammad Leading Prayers for all Prophets

When the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) reached al Aqsa (Haram Shareef), he led prayers in congregation that was attended by all the previous Prophets Alayhis salaam. Hence Masjid al Aqsa is unique in that this is the only place on earth where all the Prophets Alayhis salaam performed Salaah in congregation.

Prophet Ibrahim’s Migration to the Land of Canaanite

2. The Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) Alayhis salaam who is central to all the three faiths, migrated to the land of Canaanite around 1805 BC. The Quran states:

We said, O Fire! Be thou cool and safety for Ibrahim. Then they planned against him, but We made them the greater losers. But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lot (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations (Al-Anbiyaa 1: 69-71)

Sacredness of Jerusalem in Islam

3. The sacredness of Jerusalem is emphasized in numerous places in the Holy Quran. The Apostles of Allah, Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and also Prophet Musa (Mosses) [Alayhis salaam] alluded to it. The Holy Quran reports Prophet Musa (Moses) [Alayhis salaam] telling his people (Children of Israel):

O my people! Enter the holy land… (Al-Maida 5: 21)

Further the Holy Quran states:

(It was Our power that made) the violent (unruly) Wind flow (tamely) for Suleiman. To his order, to the land Which We had blessed… (Al-Anbiyaa 21: 81)

Prophet Muhammad’s Sayings on Jerusalem

4. Masjid al Aqsa and therefore Jerusalem’s importance was further emphasized by the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam):

(a) According to Islamic teachings there are only three places to which it is desirable to undertake a journey for the purpose of Salaah. Abu Huraira [ra] is quoted as saying that Allah’s Messenger [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said,

‘set out deliberately on a journey only to three mosques: this mosque of mine (in Medina), the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) and the Masjid al Aqsa (in Jerusalem) (Bukhari & Muslim)

Al aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in islam for Muslims, with mount of olives in the background in jerusalem, israel

(b) The virtues of praying in Masjid al Aqsa are exalted:

Abu Darda [ra] is quoted as saying that the Prophet of Allah Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said,

a prayer in the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) is worth 100, 000 prayers, a prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is worth 1, 000 and a prayer in Jerusalem is worth 500 prayers more than in an any other mosque. (Bukhari)

(c) The Masjid al Aqsa is the second house of prayer established on earth: Abu Dhar [ra] is quoted as saying,

I asked the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) which was the first mosque on earth? ‘The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah),’ he said. And then which, I asked? ‘Masjid al Aqsa,’ he said. I further asked, what was the time span between the two? ‘Forty years,’ the Prophet [Alayhis salaam] replied. (Muslim)

Jerusalem was the First Qibla for Muslims

5. The Masjid-al-Aqsa was the First Qibla (the direction to which Muslims faced when praying Salaah): The centrality, historical and cultural significance of Masjid al Aqsa is further emphasised by the fact that Muslims used to turn towards Jerusalem when they prayed. This was practiced until 16 to 17 months after hijra, when Allah commanded in His wisdom for the Muslims to face Makkah. The importance of Masjid al Aqsa remained and all the worship performed facing Masjid al Aqsa was good and valid.

Masjid al aqsa in jerusalem, israel.

Jerusalem is the resting place for the Prophets of Islam

6. The resting place of Prophets [Alayhis salaam] and Prophet’s companions [ra]: The land of Palestine has in it some of the noblest souls the earth has seen. The graves of many Prophet’s are in Palestine, including Ibrahim Alayhis salaam, Yakub Alayhis salaam, Ishaq [peace be upon them] and according to some commentators there are over 100 Prophets buried in Palestine.

Palestine also has the bodies of some of the closest companions of the Prophet and thus the first generation of Muslims. Included in these are the graves of Ubada ibn al Samit, Shaddad ibn Aws ibn Thabit al Ansari and Tamim al Dari [ra].

Starting Hajj or Umrah from Masjid Al-Aqsa

7. Merits of Performing Haj or Umrah from Masjid al Aqsa:

Umm Salamah [ra] narrates that she heard the Prophet [Alayhis salaam] saying, ‘whosoever starts his Umrah or Haj from Masjid al Aqsa his wrong actions will be forgiven, both past and future.’ In another version, he is reported to have said that Paradise would be his reward. (Targheeb)

Caliph Umar’s Trip to Jerusalem

8. Freedom of the Holy City.

After the battle of Yarmuk the Muslim forces under the command of Abu Ubaydahr lay siege to Jerusalem. The inhabitants consented to surrender on condition that the Khalifa, Umar ibn al Khattab (ra) came in person. Umar [ra] traveled to Palestine and formally received the keys to the city in 637 AD. On his arrival, he concluded the famous peace treaty with the people of Holy City. This opened the doors to the Jews, who were denied access for thousands of years and for the first time Jerusalem under Muslim rule became truly an OPEN CITY to all the three faiths.

Throughout Muslim rule of over one thousand two hundred years of Jerusalem, members of Jewish, Christianity and Islam prospered in Jerusalem. Muslim rule enabled the city to live up to its rightful title of ‘The Holy City’ as it encompassed all the believers in One God to go about their business without any hindrance.

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Concerns for Suffering Muslims and Helping them in Need

Not a day goes by when we don’t hear of innocent Muslim lives being lost to wars and other heart wrenching tragedies. This has been especially true for the past few years, when the world has witnessed innumerable Muslims die in wars and related calamities.

Children, mothers, and fathers experience unspeakable horrors of destruction and killing of their family members – sometimes many simultaneously – in front of their own eyes.

How can human beings witness such a large scale loss without showing more concern than what is apparent? Isn’t this silence making a mockery of the values of humanity that the decent human beings purport to uphold?

Such events now don’t even seem like news anymore. When once loss of a few lives was taken seriously, the never ending conflicts have desensitized us to the point that even many deaths in one day rarely gives us pause to think of the grim situation of those affected.

Can one really get desensitized to such tales of tragedies?

Some of us don’t want to hear such stories as they are too depressing and disturbing. But if we stopped listening, do we really think the problem will go away if we buried our heads in the sand? If we stopped paying attention, what else then would move our hearts to act to help such suffering souls? Would we want others to stop listening if we were instead hit with such calamities and tales of horror?

For those of you, who have followed this blog over the years know quite well that we don’t get into the political debates and discussions as there is no shortage of such forums both online and offline. But that doesn’t mean that we as Muslims can’t do anything else to help those who are going through such tests and trials of life.

As Muslims, we take our guidance from Quran and Hadith of the Prophet (s). In line with those teachings, below are some of what we can do to help our fellow Muslims.

Stay Patient in Times of Trials

First and foremost,  in times of trials and tragedies, we should stay patient. As Allay says in the Quran:

* Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’ (Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon)

* They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155-157) (See Surah Al-Baqarah English)

So, by keeping the suffering of those afflicted with such horrors alive in our hearts, we should repeatedly say “Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon.”

Recognize Your Responsibility Toward Fellow Muslims

Next, let’s recognize our responsibility toward our fellow Muslims, especially those who are suffering and are in need. Let us remind ourselves of the hadith of the prophet (s), where he said: “The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.” [Sahih Muslim]. Let’s ensure that we don’t allow ourselves to get desensitized to the point of no return to caring and empathizing for such incidents.

Educate Your Children on the Affairs of Muslims

To help children become good citizens and productive members of the society, one needs to start at an early age. As part of your instilling Islamic teachings in your children related to matters of worship and good manners, make them also realize their duty toward helping others including Muslims, regardless of how near or far they may be. Educate your children on the affairs of the Muslims and get them involved in various small and large projects aimed at helping others in need. This will imbue a sense of responsibility right from the start that will make them become useful members of the societies that they live in.

Be Proactive in Finding Organizations that Help

You don’t have to look far and beyond to help these Muslims. Most governments now have established official organizations that are delivering help to these people in need. Be proactive and you will be able to get your contributions delivered. Remember, where there is a will, there is a way.

Open Your Doors to Fellow Muslims

For those who have the means to go the extra mile, we can open our doors to those who are suffering. Remember, thousands of non-Muslim families across Europe and North America have opened their homes and hearts to help Muslims in need. We as Muslims have a greater responsibility not only because they are our fellow Muslim brethren but also because we as Muslims tout Islam to be a religion of charity and helping others in need. This is the time to put our beliefs into practice.

Pray to Allah for the Well Being of Muslims

Just like when we pray to Allah secretly for the solution of our personal issues and problems, we can start to include them in our prayers as well. Let’s pray with a sincere heart that Allah relieve children, parents, and other family members of their calamities and the pains of losing their loved ones. Let’s remind ourselves of the hadith of the prophet (s) when he said, “The supplication (dua) of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: `Ameen! May it be for you, too’.” [Sahih Muslim]. If we would want others to pray for our well being if were to experience such tragedies, let’s start by doing it for others.

Don’t Forget Your Needy Dependents 

Finally, let’s not forget that before you reach out to those in need, the needy dependents in your family have a greater right for help before others. The Prophet (peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) said,“The best charity is that which is practiced by a wealthy person. And start giving first to your dependents.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari] Volume 2, Book 24, Number 507.

Parting Remarks

Despite the darkness that doesn’t seem to be dissipating, we should never lose hope in the mercy of Allah. Let’s recall what He tells us in the Quran:

“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216)

Also, as Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah.”

Let’s therefore use these times of distress to come closer to Allah and to ask for His forgiveness

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