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15 Important Points about Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

In this article, we will see 15 Important Points about Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. With the recent rise in conflict between Israel and Palestine, Al-Aqsa remains to be a center point. It is very important for Students to understand the significance of this Mosque to understand the current situation. More on Indian Express article.

30 Important Points about Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

Important Points About Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

  • It is known to be the third holiest Islamic site located in the old city of Jerusalem.
  • It is a Silver-domed mosque inside a 35-acre compound known as al-haram al-sharif by Muslims and as Temple Mount by Jews.
  • The site is considered to be sacred for Muslims, Christian and Jews.
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) has designated the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls as a World Heritage Site.
  • It is also a very fine representation of Early Islamic Architecture.
  • According to Muslim Faith, Muhammad was transported from the Great Mosque of Mecca to Al-Aqsa during the Night Journey.
  • This mosque was known to be erected by Umar, the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. Later on it was rebuilt and expanded by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik and finished by his son al-Walid in 705 CE.
  • It was completely destroyed by an Earthquake in 746 CE.
  • After that it was rebuilt by the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur in 754 CE and then subsequently it went through lot of reconstruction and repairs by many Muslim Rulers.
  • In 1099, for a brief period of time Crusaders took control of the Mosque and used as a palace and the Dome of the Rock as a church.
  • In 1119, it was transformed into the headquarters of the Templar Knights.
  • It was later recaptured by Saladin in 1187 and restored its function as a Mosque.
  • Although today Al-Aqsa Mosque is under Israeli control but it is administered by the administration of the Jordanian/Palestinian-led Islamic Waqf.
  • The Waqf Ministry of Jordan held control of the al-Aqsa Mosque until the 1967 Six-Day War.
  • Israel transferred the control of the mosque and the northern Noble Sanctuary to the Islamic waqf trust, who are independent of the Israeli government after 1967 Six-day war.
  • The ownership of the al-Aqsa Mosque is a contentious issue in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

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