🕌 Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem

 

🕌 Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem

The sacred heart of Jerusalem — a site of deep faith, history, and resilience.

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📍 Location: Old City of Jerusalem

🕰️ Established: Around 705 AD

🛕 Religious Significance: Third holiest site in Islam

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🧱 What is Al-Aqsa Mosque?

Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most revered Islamic landmarks in the world. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it holds profound religious, historical, and political significance. The name "Al-Aqsa" means "The Farthest Mosque", mentioned in the Quran in connection with the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj).

The mosque is part of the larger Haram al-Sharif complex, also known as the Noble Sanctuary, which includes the Dome of the Rock, various madrasas, and ancient Islamic structures.

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🌍 Why is It Important?

• Spiritual Significance: It was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it changed to the Kaaba in Mecca.

• Historic Architecture: Reflects Islamic art from Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, and Ottoman periods.

• Center of Faith & Conflict: Revered by Muslims, it is also a focal point in geopolitical and interfaith issues.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized as part of Jerusalem’s ancient heritage.

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🏛️ What You Can Experience:

• The iconic silver-domed structure surrounded by olive trees.

• Magnificent Islamic calligraphy and ancient wooden ceilings inside.

• Peaceful courtyards and prayer halls that carry centuries of devotion.

• Nearby: Dome of the Rock, with its stunning golden dome.

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✨ Fun Fact:

Al-Aqsa Mosque can hold up to 5,000 worshippers, and its complex is considered the entire 144,000-square-meter area, not just the mosque building.