Jerusalem is home to some of the most revered religious monuments in the world, and among them, the Al-Aqsa Mosque holds a special place in Islamic tradition, history, and identity. Situated within the compound known as Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) or the Temple Mount, Al-Aqsa is not only a site of prayer but also a symbol of faith, resilience, and unity for Muslims across the globe.
With its striking silver-gray dome, vast prayer halls, and centuries of history, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is more than just a building—it is a living testimony to devotion, culture, and the enduring spirit of Jerusalem. In this post, we’ll explore its history, spiritual importance, architecture, and its role in shaping the city’s identity.
The Religious Significance of Al-Aqsa
For Muslims, Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam, after the mosques in Mecca (Masjid al-Haram) and Medina (Masjid al-Nabawi). Its sanctity is rooted in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition.
The term “Al-Aqsa” means “the farthest” in Arabic, and it is linked to the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous Isra and Mi’raj—the Night Journey. According to Islamic belief, the Prophet was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to “the farthest mosque,” identified as Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and from there ascended to the heavens.
This profound event cemented Al-Aqsa as a central part of Muslim spirituality, making Jerusalem a vital destination for pilgrimage. For many centuries, Muslims turned toward Jerusalem for prayer before the qibla was redirected toward Mecca. The mosque therefore symbolizes the deep historical bond between Islam and the Holy City.
Location within the Noble Sanctuary
Al-Aqsa Mosque is part of the expansive Haram al-Sharif, a 35-acre compound that also includes the Dome of the Rock, smaller prayer structures, madrasas (religious schools), fountains, and open courtyards. The compound itself is surrounded by walls, some of which date back to Herodian times, making it not only a spiritual center but also an architectural marvel.
The mosque sits at the southern end of the compound, facing Mecca. Its central location within Jerusalem makes it highly visible, and for Muslims worldwide, even photographs of the mosque evoke reverence.
A Long and Layered History
The story of Al-Aqsa Mosque spans centuries, with layers of construction, destruction, and renovation reflecting Jerusalem’s turbulent past.
Early Islamic Period
The original mosque was built shortly after the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE, under the caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. The structure we see today was largely developed by the Umayyad Caliphs, particularly Caliph Abd al-Malik and his son al-Walid I, in the late 7th and early 8th centuries.
Earthquakes and Reconstructions
Over the centuries, Al-Aqsa suffered significant damage from natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. Major reconstructions took place during the Abbasid and Fatimid caliphates, and later under the Ayyubids and Mamluks, each dynasty leaving its mark on the mosque’s design.
Crusader Era
In 1099, Crusaders captured Jerusalem and converted Al-Aqsa into a palace and headquarters for the Knights Templar, who believed the site was the biblical Temple of Solomon. They referred to it as the Templum Solomonis, and from this association, the order of the Knights Templar derived its name.
Islamic Restoration
When Saladin recaptured Jerusalem in 1187, he restored Al-Aqsa to Muslim worship. The mosque was refurbished and enhanced with Islamic art and inscriptions, reinforcing its religious role.
Ottoman and Modern Period
During the Ottoman era, the mosque underwent further renovations, particularly under Suleiman the Magnificent, who also refurbished the surrounding Haram al-Sharif. In the 20th century, during the Jordanian administration of East Jerusalem, King Abdullah I initiated restoration projects, and King Hussein later funded significant refurbishments, including the distinctive dome covering.
Today, the mosque remains under the custodianship of the Islamic Waqf, a religious trust, with Jordan playing a key role in its administration.
Architecture and Design
Al-Aqsa Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture that reflects centuries of influences from different dynasties.
- Exterior: The mosque’s gray dome gives it a distinctive look compared to the golden Dome of the Rock nearby. The façade features arched windows, intricate tilework, and decorative stone carvings.
- Interior: Inside, the mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers, with additional capacity in the courtyards. Its prayer hall includes seven aisles, supported by marble columns and adorned with mosaics and wooden carvings.
- Mihrab and Minbar: The mihrab (prayer niche) indicates the qibla direction toward Mecca. The mosque also houses a beautifully crafted wooden minbar (pulpit), originally commissioned by Saladin, which is an artistic masterpiece in itself.
- Courtyards: The open courtyards surrounding the mosque allow thousands more worshippers to gather, especially during Friday prayers and religious festivals.
The mosque’s design is not frozen in time—it reflects additions and repairs across centuries, making it a living monument that tells the story of Jerusalem’s evolving culture.
A Symbol of Faith and Identity
Beyond its spiritual role, Al-Aqsa Mosque has become a symbol of identity, particularly for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide. Its image is frequently seen on posters, artworks, and cultural expressions as a representation of steadfastness and resilience.
For Palestinians, Al-Aqsa is more than a mosque—it embodies their deep connection to Jerusalem and their historical presence in the city. It has also become a rallying point in times of political struggle, symbolizing both faith and national identity.
Al-Aqsa in the Modern Era
In modern times, Al-Aqsa Mosque continues to be at the center of global attention. As part of the Old City of Jerusalem, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Yet its location at the heart of political and territorial conflicts makes it a focal point of tension. Disputes over sovereignty, access, and control of the Haram al-Sharif compound have often sparked unrest, underscoring the mosque’s significance not only in religion but also in geopolitics.
Despite these challenges, Al-Aqsa remains a place of peace and prayer for millions of Muslims. Each year, worshippers from Jerusalem, the West Bank, and around the world come to pray within its walls, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when the mosque is filled with the light of devotion and community spirit.
Visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque
For those fortunate enough to visit Jerusalem, seeing Al-Aqsa Mosque is an unforgettable experience. The approach through the Old City’s gates, with its maze of cobblestone streets and bustling markets, creates a journey steeped in history. Entering the Haram al-Sharif and seeing both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque side by side is a breathtaking moment.
While non-Muslims may access the Haram al-Sharif compound during certain visiting hours, entry into the mosque itself is generally restricted to Muslims. Nonetheless, the beauty of the exterior, the serenity of the courtyards, and the surrounding sacred atmosphere make it an extraordinary destination for all.
Travelers should dress modestly, respect the prayer times, and remain aware of the cultural and political sensitivities associated with the site.
Why Al-Aqsa Matters
The Al-Aqsa Mosque matters because it is more than stone, wood, and marble—it is a living sanctuary that has stood for over a millennium as a place of worship, education, and community. It represents the continuity of Islamic faith, the resilience of Jerusalem’s people, and the universal human desire for a connection to the divine.
For Muslims, it is the place where heaven touched earth during the Night Journey. For historians and travelers, it is a treasure of architecture and cultural memory. For Palestinians, it is a symbol of home, belonging, and endurance.
Conclusion
Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as a timeless testament to Jerusalem’s sacred role in world history. Its domes and arches echo with centuries of prayer, while its walls bear witness to the resilience of those who have cherished it. To learn about Al-Aqsa is to understand not only Islamic history but also the shared heritage of humanity, where faith, art, and culture intersect.
In the heart of the Holy City, Al-Aqsa Mosque continues to inspire awe, devotion, and hope. It is a place where the past and present meet, reminding us that sacred spaces are not just about religion, but about identity, memory, and the eternal search for peace.
