Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Al-Aqsa mosque complex is a significant religious site located in the Old City of Jerusalem.

While many people use the name "Al-Aqsa" to refer to a single building, it often describes a much larger area. This entire compound is known by several names. In Arabic, it is called al-Haram al-Sharif, which means "the Noble Sanctuary." It is also referred to as the al-Aqsa compound. In Hebrew, the site is called Har HaBeit, or the Temple Mount. The site is a central location where different historical and religious narratives meet. It serves as a powerful symbol of identity for many people.

To understand the site, one must distinguish between the different parts of the compound. The entire area covers a total of 144,000 square meters.

Within these walls, there are more than 200 historical monuments from various Islamic eras. This includes various mosques, prayer rooms, buildings, platforms, and open courtyards. One major building is the Qibli Mosque, which is often called the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It is located on the southern side of the compound. Another famous structure within the walls is the Dome of the Rock. According to Islamic creed, all these structures and courtyards share the same degree of sacredness.

The names used for the site often depend on which part is being discussed. The term al-Masjid al-Aqsa translates to "the furthest mosque." This name appears in the Quran. Historically, this term referred to the entire compound rather than one specific building. This is because the name implies a distance from Mecca. The term Jāmiʿ al-Aqṣā is used specifically for the congregational mosque building itself. This building is also called the Qibli Mosque or Qibli Chapel. It receives this name because it is situated on the southern end of the compound. It faces the qibla, which is the direction of Mecca used for prayer.

The history of the site includes many different builders and leaders. Islamic tradition suggests that Umar, the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, built a small prayer hall there. Later, during the Umayyad Caliphate, a larger mosque was recorded on the Haram ash-Sharif. The current Qibli Mosque was originally built by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik or his successor al-Walid I.

The building has survived many natural disasters. An earthquake in 746 destroyed the mosque, requiring a rebuild in 758 by the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur. The Abbasid caliph al-Mahdi expanded it further in 780. This version featured fifteen aisles and a central dome. Another major earthquake in 1033 caused further destruction to the structure.

Different dynasties have shaped the mosque through various renovations and repairs. The Fatimid caliph al-Zahir rebuilt the mosque after the 1033 earthquake. He reduced the number of aisles to seven but added elaborate vegetal mosaics. The current structure preserves much of this 11th-century outline.

Over time, ruling Islamic dynasties added new features. These included new domes, facades, minarets, and minbars. The site has also been managed by the Ayyubids, the Mamluks, and the Ottomans. During the period of British rule in Palestine, the Supreme Muslim Council also undertook work here. Today, the site remains under the independent administration of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf. This organization is part of the Jordanian government.

The site has also experienced periods of significant political and military change. In 1099, Crusaders captured the area. During this time, the mosque was used as a palace. It also served as the headquarters for the Knights Templar. In 1187, Saladin conquered the area and restored the building's function as a mosque.

Since the beginning of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, the administration of the site has remained with the Waqf. The site remains a point of intense public awareness and importance. It is a place where political objectives and religious identity are often closely linked.

For many followers, the site is deeply connected to the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic tradition holds that he went on a miraculous Night Journey to al-Aqsa. This journey is known as al-Isra'. It is also believed that his ascension to heaven, or al-Mi'raj, took place here.

Because of these beliefs, the site is a unique symbol of identity. It is not just a collection of buildings but a place of profound spiritual meaning. The various names, histories, and structures all contribute to its complex role in the world.