Many people mistakenly believe that the Dome of the Rock is the same as the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, there are significant differences between them. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the largest and most important mosques in the world. It is considered the third holiest site in Islam, after the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Location of Al-Aqsa Mosque:
The
Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Aqsa Al-Mubarak Mosque, is located in the Old
City of Jerusalem, Palestine. It is situated on a hill called Moreh Hill and is
surrounded by a large wall. The mosque covers an area of approximately 150,000
square meters and includes not only the main mosque but also the Dome of the
Rock, the Marwani Mosque, and the remains of two hundred other religious and
tourist attractions.
Age of Al-Aqsa Mosque:
The
exact age of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is unknown, but according to the hadiths
(sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad, it was built forty years after the
construction of the Kaaba in Mecca
Dome of the Rock Mosque:
The
Dome of the Rock is part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex. It is an octagonal
building with cylindrical columns inside. In the center of the building, there
is the Rock, which is believed to be the spot from where the Prophet Muhammad
ascended to heaven during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj). The dome-shaped
roof of the building has a diameter of 120 meters and is adorned with beautiful
decorations
Age of the Dome of the Rock:
The
Dome of the Rock is approximately 1305 years old. It was ordered to be built by
Caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan in 66 AH (686 CE) and completed in 70 AH (691 CE).
Holy Places and Tourist Attractions within Al-Aqsa Mosque:
Within
the walls surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, there are several religious and
tourist attractions, including Al-Qubali Mosque, Al-Marwani Mosque, the Wailing
Wall (known as the Western Wall to Jews), the Dome of the Rock, the Serial
Dome, and fifteen gates leading to the mosque.
Significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque:
Al-Aqsa Mosque holds great importance for Muslims. It is believed that praying inside the mosque is equivalent to 500 times the reward of a regular prayer. It is also one of the three mosques that Muslims are encouraged to visit in their lifetime. Additionally, it is considered a blessed place where the Antichrist is forbidden to enter
Name "The Flower of Cities:"
Jerusalem,
where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, is often referred to as "The Flower of
Cities" due to several reasons. It was the first qibla (direction of
prayer) for Muslims before the Kaaba in Mecca. It is also the city from where
the Prophet Muhammad embarked on his Night Journey to heaven. Furthermore, it
is believed to be the place of the Resurrection on the Day of Judgment
Earthquake
and Reconstruction Around a thousand years ago, an earthquake caused severe
damage to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the Fatimid dynasty. However, Muslims were
able to rebuild and renovate the mosque within a short period. The
reconstruction added a large white corridor and reduced the number of corridors
from fifteen to seven
Confrontation with Crusaders:
During
the Crusades, the Crusaders attacked Palestine and Jerusalem. They referred to
the Al-Aqsa Mosque as "Solomon's Temple" and made alterations to the
site, including the construction of a monastery, a church, and a separation
wall. Eventually, the renowned Muslim leader Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, also known
as