What is Al Aqsa Mosque? Why is this mosque important to Muslims?

 The Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Ash-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), is a significant religious site located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The term "Al-Aqsa" translates to "the farthest" or "the supreme" in Arabic. The mosque and its precincts cover 14.4 hectares (36 acres), and the mosque itself can hold up to 5,000 worshippers

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. The entire compound, which includes the mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and other religious structures, is often referred to as the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

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.The Al-Aqsa Mosque holds immense religious significance for Muslims. It is considered the third holiest site in Islam, following the Masjid Al Haram in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina

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. The Quran mentions the Al-Aqsa Mosque by name and describes it as the center of Bayt al Maqdis, which translates to "the Holy Land" and "the land of barakah" or the land of salvation and peace

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.The mosque's importance is further emphasized by its association with the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad was miraculously transported one night from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in an event known as the Isra'. At the mosque, he led Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other messengers of God in ritual prayer. That same night, he ascended to heaven from the site of the Dome of the Rock in an event known as the Mi'raj

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.Historically, the Al-Aqsa Mosque was the first qibla (direction of prayer) in Islam before the Kaaba in Mecca was designated as such. This historical significance, along with its association with many prophets of Islam, contributes to its special place in the hearts of Muslims

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.The Al-Aqsa Mosque is also a site of geopolitical significance due to its proximity to various historical and holy sites in Judaism and Christianity, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem. This has made it a primary flashpoint in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict

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.In terms of architecture, the mosque includes a large central portico built on marble columns, a great dome resting on four stone pillars, and four minarets dating back to the Mamluk era. The mosque and its compound contain up to 200 landmarks, making it a significant historical and architectural site

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.In conclusion, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a central religious, historical, and architectural site in Islam. Its significance stems from its association with the Prophet Muhammad and other prophets of Islam, its status as the first qibla, and its mention in the Quran. Its location in Jerusalem also places it at the heart of significant geopolitical events.