2020-10-27 Tue

Masjid al-Aqsa has a rich history. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem in Palestine, it is intimately linked with Prophetic history, not of one but numerous prophets. It was first built by the Prophet Ibrahim years after he built the Ka‘aba with his first son Ismail.

When Prophet Muhammad received the command from God to lead the Muslim community in five daily prayers, their prayers were directed towards the holy city of Jerusalem. For Muslims, the city of Jerusalem is an important site. As the home of numerous prophets of Islam such as Dawud (David), Sulayman (Solomon), and ‘Isa (Jesus), the city was a symbol of Islam’s past prophets.

Masjid al-Aqsa holds immense significance in Islamic religious tradition as well as history. It is known as the first qibla of Muslims—the direction toward which Muslims face to offer their salat—as well as the third holiest site in Islam.

The beautiful Masjid-e-Aqsa depicted on a 50 Riyal Banknote issued by Saudi Arabia 2016.

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