Al Aqsa Mosque: History, Importance, and Complete Guide to Islam’s Third Holiest Site

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Why Al Aqsa Is Islam's Third Holiest Site 

Islam allows special travel for worship to 3 mosques only:

• Makkah

• Madinah

• Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Why it is the Third Holiest Site:

• First Qibla for 17 months

• Destination of Al-Isra, starting point of Al-Miraj

• One prayer = 500 times reward 

Linked to Prophets

• Ibrahim (AS)

• Dawud (AS)

• Sulaiman (AS)

• Isa (AS)

Why Third Holiest Site is not just a title:

• It comes from faith and authentic tradition, not just by age or beauty.

• Feels personal to Muslims standing there.

Key reasons it is important:

• Associated with the Night Journey.

• First qibla of Muslims.

• Strong connection with prophets.

For 14 centuries it has been a place of continuous worship.

Where Is Al Aqsa Mosque, and What Does It Include? 

Masjid Al Aqsa: The 144,000 sq. meter compound of Masjid Al-Aqsa is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is counted among the Middle East's most important landmarks.

The Golden Dome of the Rock isn't Al Aqsa. Many people mix them up. Two different buildings, same plaza.

What the sanctuary actually includes:

• Qibli Mosque: Large prayer hall on the southern side - what many mean by "Al Aqsa Mosque".

• Dome of the Rock: It is a Golden dome.

• Al Buraq Wall is an ancient wall connected to the Prophet's ﷺ Isra and his ride Al Buraq.

Courtyards: Vast open spaces for prayer and religious lessons.

Gates, minarets, Islamic Museum, libraries, underground halls.

If you know the terms, it helps to understand the Al Aqsa Mosque history.

A History Spanning Prophets and Empires 

Islamic tradition says Masjid Al Aqsa was the second mosque on earth, 40 years after Kaaba - linked to Prophet Sulayman (AS).

Physical building timeline - Al Aqsa Mosque history in short:

• 637 CE: After conquest, Caliph Umar built a small prayer house.

• 690-705 CE: Umayyads - Abd al-Malik and Al-Walid - built a grand mosque and dome of the rock.

• 746 CE: Earthquake destroyed it. Abbasid al-Mansur rebuilt.

• 774 & 1033 CE: More earthquakes. Rebuilt again.

• 1035 CE: Fatimid caliph Ali az-Zahir's reconstruction is largely what you see today for Qibli Mosque.

• 1099-1187: Crusaders used it as a palace and church.

• 1187: Salah al Din restored it to Muslim worship. 

Afterwards, it was shaped by the Ayyubids and Mamluks. And then by the Ottomans and Jordanians.

Why Al-Aqsa Is So Important to Muslims

Importance starts with the Qur'an - the Night Journey that connects it to Prophet Muhammad  (PBUH).

Connection with earlier prophets:

Prophet ﷺ led prophets in prayer during Isra.

It represents the link between the final Messenger and those before him.

First direction of prayer:

• Al Aqsa was the first qibla before the Kaaba.

• Makes Jerusalem part of the earliest muslim community story.

What Al-Aqsa represents today:

• Legacy of prophets

• Night Journey

• First qibla

• Centuries of worship

• Living connection with Islamic history

• Calling it a Muslim holy site is accurate, but the emotion attached goes far beyond words - remembered in prayers, books, family stories.

The Noble Sanctuary: A Site Sacred to Three Faiths 

Jerusalem is rare - three major religions meet in a small area.

Old city of Jerusalem and its walls - UNESCO site of exceptional importance.

Noble Sanctuary contains:

• Qibli Mosque

• Dome of the rock

• Courtyards

• Historic walls.

For other faiths:

Jewish and Christian traditions have their own sacred connections in the city.

This mix makes Jerusalem one of the most unique Middle East landmarks - religious history is not in a museum, but in daily life.

Common Misconceptions About Al Aqsa

In Islam, Al Aqsa means the whole sanctuary. It is not the one building.

Many people say that the Dome of the Rock is Masjid Al Aqsa. But it isn't. It's one building inside the sanctuary. Qibli Mosque is another.

• "Important only because of architecture".

Fact: Religious importance comes first. Architecture adds a second layer.

• "Importance belongs only to the past".

Fact: Masjid Al Aqsa continues as an active place of Muslim worship.

• "Every photo shows the same building".

Fact: Photos may show Qibli Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Or  maybe courtyards or walls.

Visiting Al Aqsa: Practical and Spiritual Considerations

• Practical preparation - entry conditions can change always check official info:

• Keep passport and documents secure

• Wear simple and modest clothes

• Wear comfortable shoes - stone paths and large courtyards

• Expect security procedures may take time

• Follow instructions from Waqf and local authorities

• Don’t take photographs of people without permission

Spiritual preparation:

• Read about the Night Journey before you arrive

• Learn about prophets connected with Jerusalem

• Understand why the first qibla matters

When you stand inside, it feels different from photos - you are standing somewhere with a story.

Al Aqsa's Role in the Wider Muslim World

Importance does not stop at Jerusalem:

• Name familiar in India, Indonesia, Turkey, Africa, Europe, Gulf

• Children learn about it, Imams speak about it, families discuss it

• Many Muslims dream of praying there one day

Why it is more than a local landmark:

• Part of shared Muslim heritage

• The Golden Dome and Old City make it one of the most photographed Middle East landmarks

• But meaning comes from the history behind the photos

Understanding Al-Aqsa Matters for Every Muslim 

You don't need to be planning a trip to learn:

• Explains the significance of the first qibla

• Gives meaning to Isra and Mi'raj story

• Introduces Jerusalem's place in prophets' history

• Reminds that Islamic heritage extends beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

Al Aqsa Mosque history teaches continuity:

• Buildings can be damaged, cities change hands, styles evolve. Yet religious memory survives - most meaningful lesson.

The Emotional Pull of Al Aqsa 

Difference between reading and standing there:

• Hearing call to prayer in courtyard

• Seeing worshippers sitting quietly

• Golden dome catching afternoon light

• Suddenly childhood stories feel closer

Emotional connection:

• Masjid Al Aqsa links present with past generations

• Reminds of prophets, Night Journey, early community

• Becomes part of spiritual imagination long before visit

• That is the enduring pull of this Muslim holy site

Plan your Umrah journey at BookMyUmrahTrip 

If Masjid Al Aqsa is in your heart, proper planning helps.

At BookMyUmrahTrip we help with:

• Umrah packages

• Visits to sacred sites across the Middle East

• Documentation

• Itinerary

• Local guidance

Don't just plan the logistics

• Focus on prayer

• Reflection

• Connection.

FAQs

:::faqs_start

What Is Al Aqsa Mosque, and What Does "Al Aqsa" Mean

Al Aqsa means "the farthest". The name comes from the Isra the night the Prophet Muhammad was taken from Mecca to this distant mosque. People mean different things when they say it. Sometimes the silver domed building. Sometimes the whole courtyard. The courtyard is called Haram al Sharif. So Al Aqsa is a compound. Several buildings inside. Not one mosque.

Why Is Al Aqsa Islam's Third Holiest Site?

It ranks after Mecca and Medina. It was the first qibla. Muslims prayed toward it before Mecca. That was from the start. The Night Journey ended there. The Prophet (PBUH) led all the earlier Prophets in Salah. Then he went up to the heavens. A prayer there equals a thousand prayers elsewhere. That's in the hadith.

Where Is Al Aqsa Mosque, and What Does It Include?

Jerusalem. Old City. On a hill. Muslims call it Haram al Sharif. Jews call it the Temple Mount. Two buildings matter most. The Dome of the Rock . It covers a rock, not a prayer hall. The Al Aqsa Masjid is a building at the south side of the compound. Silver gray dome. People pray there. It has

• Fountains.

• Arcades.

• Gates.

• Minarets.

• A whole complex.

Who built Al Aqsa Mosque?

Muslims believe Ibrahim built it. Forty years after the Kaaba. Dawud and Sulaiman were there too. The current building is later. Caliph Abd al-Malik started it. Late 7th century. His son al-Walid finished it. Around 705 CE.

What is the difference between Al Aqsa Masjid and the Dome of the Rock? 

Rectangular building. About 80 meters long. 50 wide. Seven aisles. The middle one is taller. The dome is silver gray. Wood underneath. Inside is a mihrab. Saladin ordered it after retaking Jerusalem. The dome of gold colour is the Dome of the Rock. The gold is recent. Inside is the rock. Muslims believe that's the holiest spot in the compound.

Why Al Aqsa Is So Important to Muslims?

It's in the Quran. God calls it blessed. The whole area, not just the mosque. All the Prophets prayed there, led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the Night of Isra wal Mi'raj.

What is the "Noble Sanctuary"?

The entire plateau contains both domes.

What is al Buraq Wall?

It is the wall where the Prophet tied the Buraq during the journey on the night of Miraj.

How many gates does the Al Aqsa compound have?

15 gates are counted. Which ones are open varies. 

Can non Muslims enter Al Mosque?

Yes, the compound during visiting hours. No prayer inside the mosques.

What documents or tests are needed to prove I am Muslim to enter Al-Aqsa?

It varies — ID, sometimes proof of faith.

What is the dress code for visiting Al Aqsa Mosque?

Modest clothing. Hair covered for women. No shorts for men.

How many days are recommended for a visit to Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem?

2–3 days for Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem.

Who currently administers Al Aqsa? 

The Islamic Waqf under Jordanian custodianship. Israel controls access and security.

Is the entire Al-Haram Al-Sharif considered Al Aqsa? 

yes. In Islamic discourse, the whole compound is Al Aqsa. :::faqs_end