Please read to know the history and facts and share with all your friends this summary of the history of al-Haram ash-Sharif or Noble Sanctuary that is under attack by the occupation forces and foreign settlers: Al-Aqsa Mosque (Arabic:المسجد الاقصى al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, the Farthest Mosque) also known as Al-Aqsa and Bayt al-Muqaddas, is the third holiest site in Islam and is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The site on which the silver domed mosque sits, along with the Dome of the Rock, also referred to as al-Haram ash-Sharif or Noble Sanctuary, After completion of the Dome of the Rock, construction began at the site of the original timber mosque built in the time of Umar. A vast congregational mosque rose up, accommodating more than five thousand worshippers. Originally commissioned by Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, it was apparently completed by his son Al-Walid in 705AD. The building became known as Masjid al-Aqsa, Al-Aqsa Mosque, although in reality the whole area of the Noble Sanctuary is considered Al-Aqsa Mosque, the entire precincts inviolable according to Islamic law. Every Friday prayer, the Al-Aqsa Mosque building overflows, with thousands of worshippers who must make their prayers outside in the courtyards of the vast open expanse of the Noble Sanctuary. While the Dome of the Rock was constructed as a mosque to commemorate the Prophets Night Journey, the building known as Al-Aqsa Mosque became a center of worship and learning, attracting great teachers from all over the world. It has been modified several times to protect it from earthquakes, which sometimes occur in the area, and to adapt to the changing needs of the local population. The form of the present structure has remained essentially the same since it was reconstructed by the Khalif Al-Dhahir in 1033 AD. It is said that he did not alter it from the previous architecture except to narrow it on each side. In 638, just a few years after the death of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, an army of his followers surrounded Jerusalem. The city Patriarch, Sophronius, handed over the city after a brief siege. There was only one condition; that the terms of their surrender be negotiated directly with Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Khalif of Islam. Umar entered Jerusalem on foot. There was no bloodshed. There were no massacres. Those who wanted to leave were allowed to, with all their possessions. Those who wanted to stay were guaranteed protection for their lives, their property, and their places of worship in the Umariyya Covenant. For the first time in its long history, Jerusalem had been spared a bloodbath. It is said that Umar accompanied Sophronious to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and that he was offered a place to pray in it. Umar declined, fearing it might establish a precedent which would threaten the churchs continued use as a Christian house of worship. He prayed instead to the south of the church, now the site of the Mosque of Umar in Jerusalem. Umar then asked to be taken to the site of Al Aqsa Mosque. Accompanied by hundreds of Muslims, he found the area covered in dust and debris and immediately initiated its clearing. A huge timber mosque which held three thousand worshippers was erected on this site in the time of Umar, at the southernmost wall of the Noble Sanctuary. Glimpses of History The beauty and tranquility of the Noble Sanctuary in Jerusalem attracts thousands of visitors of all faiths every year. For Muslims the area has a special significance, as the site of the Prophet Muhammads Night Journey, peace and blessings be upon him, and as the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Islam. The Night Journey: Glory be to He Who carried His servant by night, from the Holy Mosque to the Furthest Mosque, the precincts of which We have blessed. so that We might show him some of Our signs. Surely He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Sura al-Isra Quran 17:1 In the ninth year of the Prophets mission, about 620 AD, Muhammad rose in the middle of the night to visit the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. After a time of worship he fell asleep near the Kaaba. The angel Gabriel came to him and woke him from his slumber. He led the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to the edge of the sacred Makkan mosque. Awaiting them was al-Buraq, a white winged beast whose each stride stretched as far as the eye could see. Muhammad mounted al-Buraq and sped northwards with Gabriel to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the Furthest Mosque. When they reached Jerusalem the Prophet dismounted and prayed near the Rock. Abraham, Moses, Jesus and other prophets, peace be upon them all, gathered together to pray behind him. Muhammad was presented a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. The Prophet chose the milk and Gabriel said, You have chosen the true religion. The Prophet then embarked on the ascension (Miraj) in which he, peace and blessings be upon him, received the command to pray five times a day and the revelation encapsulating the beliefs of Islam: The Messenger believes in what was sent down to him from his Lord. And the believers; each one believes in Allah and His angels and in His books and His messengers. We make no division between any one of His messengers. And they say: We hear and we obey. Oh Lord, grant us Thy forgiveness; unto Thee we return. Quran II/285. Thank you for reading and sharing with others. karem alhams
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 15:47:29 +0000
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