Al-Aqsa; The Third Holiest Mosque in Islam

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site of Islam. It was originally constructed by Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) by the commands of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). He constructed it with the intent of a house of prayer, in the name of Islam. It was the furthest mosque from Medina and Makkah. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is significant because of the history that it holds in our religion of Islam. Al-Aqsa Mosque was the site of the Night Journey : Isra and Miraj. The journey of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and his accession to Heave by the commands of Allah (s.w.t). Under the great Dome of the Rock lays the stone that he stood on. The mosque was also the location where he prayed alongside our other beloved prophets (may Allah be blessed with them).

Now, the Al-Aqsa Mosque that we know to this date is different than how we remember it. Recently in the news, there were controversies surrounding the mosque. Currently, the mosque is under Israeli control. With that being said, the Israeli government has power over to the sanctions and security measures of the mosque. Installation of metal detectors at the entrances of the mosque were declared as a security measure of the mosque. What this did was control and regulate the access of people into the mosque. This raised controversy concerning the lack of liberty that the Israeli government gave to Muslim worshippers. Ever since then, many Palestinians and muslims all over the world have been speaking out and raising their voice to shed light on the injustice. Houses of worships should not be sanctioned or controlled. People of the faith should be allowed to roam in and out, to practice their religion freely without fear or terror.

But after the release of security measures on the mosque on July 27th 2017, there are a few important lessons that we must learn from the whole incident. Firstly, it is the strength of unity. When the metal detectors were installed, the whole religion of Islam rose from their seats. A plethora of support from countries such as Yemen, Syria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and more. Even with countries like Yemen, who are dealing with their own civil war, united as one to show their solitude with Palestine and the Palestinian people. Our strength as a whole ummah is reflective of our unity. When we come together as one ummah, standing for the sake of Allah (s.w.t) and fighting for the right to our religion of Islam, nothing can stop us. Adversity and hardships only make us stronger. They teach us about what Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and the Quran quotes. It teaches us about each other. And how strong a unity of people are when they are protected under the guidance of Allah (s.w.t). For years, Israel has had occupation of the beautiful country of Palestine. And over the years, they have been gaining more of their land and controlling over the Palestinian people. The people of Palestine have suffered isolation for years, but yet their spirit is not broken. Even with the weapons and connections of the Israeli people, they still have not been able to conquer Palestine. So what does this tell you? It tells you that a country that is protected and guided by Allah (s.w.t) and the name of Islam will never be defeated. Our faith is true and strong. Allah (s.w.t) has promised us. That He sees the injustice committed, and He will deal with them accordingly. We shall have to trust Allah (s.w.t) and keep our faith. Stay strong, stand united and have patience. For Allah (s.w.t) also promised us ease after every hardship.

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Article is written by: 

Fatin Najwa binti Daud, is a medical student studying at IMU Malaysia. She is a freelance writer of this blog at Zaahara. Interests include music, art, sports and travel.

-Photos are taken from google images

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