بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ
الرَّحِيمِ
الْمَلِكِ
الْقُدُّوسِ
السَّلَامِ
1446 - شَوَّال الْمُكَرَّم
الْمُؤْمِنِ
الْمُهَيْمِنِ
الْعَزِيزِ
الْجَبَّارُ
الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
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Dhuhr
02:00 PM
Asr
06:15 PM
Maghrib
07:46 PM
Isha
09:45 PM
Jumu'ah
02:00 PM
Masjid Al-Aqsa
المسجد الأقصى
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Masjid al-Aqsa, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam. It was the first Qibla for Muslims and the destination of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Night Journey (Isra'). The term "Al-Aqsa" refers to the entire sacred compound (Haram al-Sharif), which includes the Qibli Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. It remains a powerful symbol of Islamic heritage, prophetic history, and the spiritual connection between the Abrahamic faiths. Masjid al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam, after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina. It holds deep historical and spiritual significance for Muslims. The mosque was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. For approximately 16-17 months after the Hijrah, Muslims faced Al-Aqsa in prayer, before the Qibla was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca. This period established the importance of Al-Aqsa in Islamic practice and history. The mosque is the site of the Isra and Mi'raj, the Prophet's night journey. He was transported from Mecca to Al-Aqsa, where he led all the prophets in prayer, before ascending to the heavens. This event is mentioned in Surah Al-Isra: "Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa" (17:1). The term "Masjid al-Aqsa" (the Farthest Mosque) refers to the entire sacred compound in Jerusalem, which includes the Qibli Mosque (the main prayer hall) and the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra). The Dome of the Rock, built in 691 CE, is one of the earliest and most magnificent examples of Islamic architecture. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa is emphasized in Islamic tradition. The Prophet said that journeys should only be undertaken to three mosques: the Sacred Mosque (Mecca), this Mosque of mine (Medina), and the Farthest Mosque (Jerusalem). Prayer in Al-Aqsa carries great reward, though less than in Mecca and Medina. Al-Aqsa has been a center of Islamic learning and worship for over 1,400 years. It has been a symbol of Muslim presence in Jerusalem and a focal point of Islamic identity and heritage. Throughout history, Muslims have defended Al-Aqsa and maintained its sanctity. The Crusaders captured it in 1099, and Saladin liberated it in 1187, an event still celebrated in Islamic history. In modern times, Al-Aqsa remains a central symbol for Muslims worldwide. Its status as the third holiest site and its location in Jerusalem make it a deeply emotional and spiritual issue. The ongoing efforts to protect and preserve it are a concern for Muslims globally. Masjid al-Aqsa represents the connection between the Abrahamic faiths, the legacy of the prophets, and the enduring commitment of Muslims to protect their holy sites. It is a symbol of faith, history, and the unbroken chain of prophecy that links Muhammad to the prophets who came before him.
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