Masjid Al-Aqsa- Why Is It So Important to Muslims? 'And the Prophets Lived

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Masjid Al-Aqsa- Why Is It So Important to Muslims? 'And the Prophets Lived Masjid Al-Aqsa- Why is it so important to Muslims? ‘And the Prophets lived therein. There is not a single inch in Jerusalem where a Prophet or angel not stood’ -Tirmidhi- The Al-Aqsa Sancurtary in Jerusalem is respected and held dear by Muslims for numerous reasons. First QIbla for Prayer From the beginning of time Muslims always prayed facing Jerusalem. This is important because it shows the significance and special position of Jerusalem. Muslims carried on facing Jerusalem in their prayers until 18 months after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah to Medina. The Muslims changed the direction of qibla from Jerusalem to the Kabah in Makkah after Allah commanded them. The Jews in Madinah used to face Jerusalem for their prayers and they did not like it that the Muslims did too and would mock the Prophet (peace be upon him). So Allah revealed: (Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (at Makkah).) (2:144). (Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed the Muslims that even though the Qibla had changed this did not reduce the importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa to Muslims. Second Masjid built on Earth The second Masjid to be built on earth was Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, in Palestine by Prophet Adam. He built Masjid Al-Aqsa 40 years after building the Kabah in Makkah. This makes Masjid Al-Aqsa a central place for Muslims as Allah ordered it to be built by the very first man He put on Earth. Over the years Masjid Al-Aqsa was rebuilt by a number of noble people. Prophet Ibrahim left his birth town, Ur in Iraq and travelled to Jerusalem and started to live in the Blessed Land. He found Masjid Al-Aqsa in ruins so he re-built it with his son Ishaq. After Prophet Ishaq passed, his sons left Palestine and travelled to Egypt. Masjid Al-Aqsa was now left alone and became neglected because people started to forget about Allah. The Masjid then started to crumble and fall down. Many years later the Masjid became completely destroyed. Then Allah sent Prophet Dawud who was very strong and brave. After becoming the leader of Jerusalem he started to rebuild Masjid Al-Aqsa. Prophet Dawud used to pray in the compounds of the Al-Aqsa sanctuary, whilst the Masjid was being constructed. However he did not finish building it before he passed away. His son Sulayman who was also a Prophet of Allah continued to build the Masjid until it was complete. Sulayman had a lot of love for Masjid Al-Aqsa and he commanded the Jinns to help him complete the building. Many Prophets that came after Prophet Sulayman who lived nearby Masjid Al-Aqsa prayed in it and took care of it. Third holiest mosque in Islam Masjid Al-Aqsa is the holiest Islamic site in Jerusalem and is the third most sacred Masjid in Islam. There are many other Masjids and places of significance but Masjid Al-Aqsa has the greatest significance that dates back to the first man on earth, Prophet Adam. Masjid Al-Aqsa has been mentioned many times by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in regards to its virtue and importance. It is the only mosque besides the Ka`bah in Makkah which is mentioned by name in the Qur`an. Abu Darda (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “A prayer in Makkah (Ka’bah) is worth 1000,000 times (reward), a prayer in my Masjid (Madinah) is worth 1,000 times and a prayer in Al-Aqsa Sanctuary is worth 500 times more reward than anywhere else”. [Tabarani, Bayhaqi, Suyuti] .
Recommended publications
  • The Destruction of Religious and Cultural Sites I. Introduction The
    Mapping the Saudi State, Chapter 7: The Destruction of Religious and Cultural Sites I. Introduction The Ministry for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah, and Guidance, commonly abbreviated to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs (MOIA), supervises and regulates religious activity in Saudi Arabia. Whereas the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) directly enforces religious law, as seen in Mapping the Saudi State, Chapter 1,1 the MOIA is responsible for the administration of broader religious services. According to the MOIA, its primary duties include overseeing the coordination of Islamic societies and organizations, the appointment of clergy, and the maintenance and construction of mosques.2 Yet, despite its official mission to “preserve Islamic values” and protect mosques “in a manner that fits their sacred status,”3 the MOIA is complicit in a longstanding government campaign against the peninsula’s traditional heritage – Islamic or otherwise. Since 1925, the Al Saud family has overseen the destruction of tombs, mosques, and historical artifacts in Jeddah, Medina, Mecca, al-Khobar, Awamiyah, and Jabal al-Uhud. According to the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, between just 1985 and 2014 – through the MOIA’s founding in 1993 –the government demolished 98% of the religious and historical sites located in Saudi Arabia.4 The MOIA’s seemingly contradictory role in the destruction of Islamic holy places, commentators suggest, is actually the byproduct of an equally incongruous alliance between the forces of Wahhabism and commercialism.5 Compelled to acknowledge larger demographic and economic trends in Saudi Arabia – rapid population growth, increased urbanization, and declining oil revenues chief among them6 – the government has increasingly worked to satisfy both the Wahhabi religious establishment and the kingdom’s financial elite.
    [Show full text]
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Digital Book
    Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Introduction The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It is about the size of the United States East side of the Mississippi River. It is located in the Middle East, in the western portion of the continent of Asia. The kingdom is bounded by the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea in the west and the Persian Gulf in the east. Can You Find it? Look up Saudi Arabia on the world map. How far is it from your country? https://www.worldatlas.com/ Facts at a Glance Language: Arabic. Religion: Islam Head of State: King Monetary Unit: Saudi Riyal Population: 22,000,000 Arabic Did you know? Arabic is written from right to left It has 28 letters Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed in Arabic by the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) to Prophet Muhammad peace be Audio File of the Arabic Alphabet upon him. Now and Then Compare and contrast the Arabian Peninsula in 650 CE and how the political map looks now. What are the similarities? Differences? Major Cities Riyadh Mecca Jeddah Medina Where Am I? See if you can label these countries: 1. Kuwait 2.Oman 3.Qatar 4.Saudi Arabia 5.The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 6.Yemen. Can you label the area's major seas and waterways? The Red Sea Gulf of Aden Gulf of Oman The Persian Gulf (also called the Arabian Gulf). Riyadh: [ ree-yahd ] The capital and the largest city. In the older part of the city, the streets are narrow.
    [Show full text]
  • Mistranslations of the Prophets' Names in the Holy Quran: a Critical Evaluation of Two Translations
    Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol.8, No.2, 2017 Mistranslations of the Prophets' Names in the Holy Quran: A Critical Evaluation of Two Translations Izzeddin M. I. Issa Dept. of English & Translation, Jadara University, PO box 733, Irbid, Jordan Abstract This study is devoted to discuss the renditions of the prophets' names in the Holy Quran due to the authority of the religious text where they reappear, the significance of the figures who carry them, the fact that they exist in many languages, and the fact that the Holy Quran addresses all mankind. The data are drawn from two translations of the Holy Quran by Ali (1964), and Al-Hilali and Khan (1993). It examines the renditions of the twenty five prophets' names with reference to translation strategies in this respect, showing that Ali confused the conveyance of six names whereas Al-Hilali and Khan confused the conveyance of four names. Discussion has been raised thereupon to present the correct rendition according to English dictionaries and encyclopedias in addition to versions of the Bible which add a historical perspective to the study. Keywords: Mistranslation, Prophets, Religious, Al-Hilali, Khan. 1. Introduction In Prophets’ names comprise a significant part of people's names which in turn constitutes a main subdivision of proper nouns which include in addition to people's names the names of countries, places, months, days, holidays etc. In terms of translation, many translators opt for transliterating proper names thinking that transliteration is a straightforward process depending on an idea deeply rooted in many people's minds that proper nouns are never translated or that the translation of proper names is as Vermes (2003:17) states "a simple automatic process of transference from one language to another." However, in the real world the issue is different viz.
    [Show full text]
  • The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
    General Church Paper f the Seventh-day Adventists JUNE 29, 1978 The queen of Sheba visits Solomon See article op, page 10 THIS WEEK Re mew Contents Veronica Morrish of Greenbelt, membership (see also "SAD General Articles Pages 3-12 Maryland, learned to build a new Passes 400,000 Membership Columns attitude for herself. In "The Mark," p. 19). For the Younger Set 9 Garment of Praise" (p. 4), Mrs. The index of articles, authors, %IF For this Generation 14 Morrish, who teaches preschool and subjects that we publish 128th Year of Continuous Publication children in her home, describes twice yearly begins on page 27. Focus on Education 15 EDITOR Family Living 13 how she recovered faith in God This index has proved to be a Kenneth H. Wood From the Editors 15 and expelled her hatred for those valuable aid to many researchers. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Newsfront 17-26 who so maliciously wronged her. Art and photo credits: J. J. Blanco, Don F. Neufeld News Notes On page 6 the REVIEW editor Cover, Herbert Rudeen; p. 3, ASSISTANT EDITOR 25 Jocelyn Fay Index 27-31 continues his report on the trip he Gene Ahrens; p. 4, Tom Dun- and his wife, Miriam Wood, bebin; p. 9, Harold Munson; p. ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Back Page 32 Eugene F. Durand made recently to South America, 10, Gert Busch; p. 11, NASA; ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY In her darkness and despair a division that has just surpassed all other photos, courtesy of the Corinne Russ following her husband's murder, the 400,000 mark in church respective authors.
    [Show full text]
  • Stories of the Prophets
    Stories of the Prophets Written by Al-Imam ibn Kathir Translated by Muhammad Mustapha Geme’ah, Al-Azhar Stories of the Prophets Al-Imam ibn Kathir Contents 1. Prophet Adam 2. Prophet Idris (Enoch) 3. Prophet Nuh (Noah) 4. Prophet Hud 5. Prophet Salih 6. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) 7. Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael) 8. Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) 9. Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) 10. Prophet Lot (Lot) 11. Prophet Shuaib 12. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) 13. Prophet Ayoub (Job) 14 . Prophet Dhul-Kifl 15. Prophet Yunus (Jonah) 16. Prophet Musa (Moses) & Harun (Aaron) 17. Prophet Hizqeel (Ezekiel) 18. Prophet Elyas (Elisha) 19. Prophet Shammil (Samuel) 20. Prophet Dawud (David) 21. Prophet Sulaiman (Soloman) 22. Prophet Shia (Isaiah) 23. Prophet Aramaya (Jeremiah) 24. Prophet Daniel 25. Prophet Uzair (Ezra) 26. Prophet Zakariyah (Zechariah) 27. Prophet Yahya (John) 28. Prophet Isa (Jesus) 29. Prophet Muhammad Prophet Adam Informing the Angels About Adam Allah the Almighty revealed: "Remember when your Lord said to the angels: 'Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.' They said: 'Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.' Allah said: 'I know that which you do not know.' Allah taught Adam all the names of everything, then He showed them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us.
    [Show full text]
  • Witnessing Lot's Wife
    !1 Ariell Watson November 5, 2015 Lumen et Vita Symposium Witnessing Lot’s Wife: Traumatic Memory and Vicarious Trauma In Judeo-Christian popular imagination, the cities of “Sodom and Gomorrah” epitomize sinful hedonism and divine annihilation. In the midst of the apocalyptic scene of sulfur, fire, and destruction in the book of Genesis, we find a peculiar verse: “But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”1 This paper will interpret the biblical text as a tale of traumatic memory, examine the risk of vicarious trauma to caregivers, and affirm best practices in trauma care. In order to understand the role of traumatic memory and trauma care in this story, one must first identify the disruptive experiences that may have haunted Lot’s wife. The text offers very little insight to her past; we know neither her name nor her opinion of the events that led up to the family’s hasty departure from their home. One can infer, however, that Lot’s wife had witnessed several traumatic scenes in the previous hours: a mob at the door of her house; neighbors threatening to assault her husband and break in to their home; Lot offering up their unwed daughters to the sexual appetites of the crowd; and the hasty extraction of her family. On the way to safety, Lot’s wife made her fateful mistake: she “looked back,” against the angel’s instruction. Scholarly opinions diverge regarding whether the danger of “looking back” arose from the pain of grief, or from disobedience of divine injunction.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Al-Aqsa Mosque Al-Haram Ash-Sharif Contents
    A Guide to Al-Aqsa Mosque Al-Haram Ash-Sharif Contents In the name of Allah, most compassionate, most merciful Introduction JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<<3 Dear Visitor, Mosques JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<<<4 Welcome to one of the major Islamic sacred sites and landmarks Domes JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<24 of civilization in Jerusalem, which is considered a holy city in Islam because it is the city of the prophets. They preached of the Minarets JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<30 Messenger of God, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH): Arched Gates JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<32 The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and Schools JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<36 His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your Corridors JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<<44 forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination” (Qur’an 2:285). Gates JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<<46 It is also the place where one of Prophet Mohammad’s miracles, the Night Journey (Al-Isra’ wa Al-Mi’raj), took place: Water Sources JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ<<<54 Exalted is He who took His Servant
    [Show full text]
  • Accessory Building
    Medina County Building Department Main: (330) 722-9220 Permit Center Fax: (330) 764-8204 791 W. Smith Rd. Medina, Ohio 44256 https://medinaco.org/building- department RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY BUILDING An accessory building (sheds, barns, storage building) is a structure that is located on the same lot as a residence and is typically used for storage. It does not contain a living space. Accessory buildings 200 square feet and less DO NOT require a permit (zoning approval may still be required). For pole frame style accessory buildings, please note that buildings over 36’ in width, or 16’ in height, or with 2nd floor or attic -require an architect or engineer. Please see the Post Frame Accessory Structures guide for further limitations and details. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure timely permit acquisition. 1. Medina County Health Department (330)-723-9523 If your property has a septic system or a well, cistern, spring or pond (used for drinking water), follow these guidelines: a. Sewage system components require ten-foot isolation from a building or other structure. If you need to be any closer you need approval from the Health Commissioner. b. Wells, cisterns, springs and ponds used for drinking water are also required to be ten feet from any structure. ***If deviating from these guidelines please contact the Medina County Health Dept 2. Local Zoning Obtain an approval from your local zoning official. Zoning numbers are listed on our website at “associated contacts and reports” . 3. Medina County Highway Engineers (330)-723-9568 Permits are obtained from the Medina County Highway Engineer’s Office, 791 West Smith Rd Medina, OH.
    [Show full text]
  • When Jesus Comes, You Find Your Purpose John 1:6-9, 15
    1 WHEN JESUS COMES, YOU FIND YOUR PURPOSE JOHN 1:6-9, 15 Every kid who’s sat in a science class has heard of Isaac Newton’s famous encounter with a falling apple. Newton was the first to explain the laws of gravity back in the 1600s which revolutionized the study of astronomy and so much more. But few people know that if it weren’t for another scientist named Edmund Halley, the world might never have heard of Isaac Newton. It was Halley who challenged Newton to think through his original ideas. It was Halley who corrected Newton’s mathematical errors and prepared geometrical figures to support Newton’s discoveries. It was Halley who persuaded Newton to write his great book, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. It was Halley who edited and supervised the publication of that book, and even financed its printing although Newton was wealthier than Halley and could have easily paid to have it printed himself. Historians consider it one of the most selfless examples in the history of science. Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of his new prominence. Halley received little credit. Now, he did use Newton’s principles to predict the orbit and return of the comet that now bears his name. You’ve heard of Halley’s Comet that comes close to Earth every 76 years. But otherwise you don’t hear a lot about Edmund Halley. He’s a great example of a devoted scientist who didn’t care who received the credit as long as the cause of science advanced.
    [Show full text]
  • 25 Prophets of Islam
    Like 5.2k Search Qul . Home Prayer Times Ask Qul TV The Holy Qur'an Library Video Library Audio Library Islamic Occasions About Pearl of Wisdom Library » Our Messengers » 25 Prophets of Islam with regards to Allah's verse in the 25 Prophets of Islam Qur'an: "Indeed Allah desires to repel all impurity from you... 25 Prophets of Islam said,?'Impunity IS doubt, and by Allah, we never doubt in our Lord. How many prophets did God send to mankind? This is a debated issue, but what we know is what God has told us in the Quran. God says he sent a prophet to every nation. He says: Imam Ja'far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq “For We assuredly sent amongst every People a Messenger, (with the command): ‘Serve God, and eschew Evil;’ of the people were [as] some whom God guided, and some on whom Error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the Ibid. p. 200, no. 4 end of those who denied (the Truth)” (Quran 16:36) This is because one of the principles by which God operates is that He will never take a people to task unless He has made clear to them what His expectations are. Article Source The Quran mentions the names of 25 prophets and indicates there were others. It says: “Of some messengers We have already told you the story; of others We have not; - and to Moses God spoke direct.” (Quran 4:164) We acknowledge that 'Our Messengers Way' by 'Harun Yahya' for providing the The Names of the 25 Prophets Mentioned are as follows: original file containing the 'Our Adam Messengers'.
    [Show full text]
  • 3351 — the Queen of Sheba
    Sermon #3351 Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 1 THE QUEEN OF SHEBA NO. 3351 A SERMON PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1913 DELIVERED BY C. H. SPURGEON AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, NEWINGTON ON LORD’S-DAY EVENING, DECEMBER 8, 1867 “The Queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon: and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:42 OUR Lord, on this occasion, was addressing a number of captious critics who, instead of listening to what He said and giving it the attention due to its own weight, said, “Show us a sign.” Our Lord replies to them that He will give them no sign except the two signs of Jonah and of the Queen of the South. The first was very much to the point. Jonah, a lone man, working no miracle, went to Nineveh, a great city, where he was completely unknown. There he commenced to preach. The whole subject of his testimony was, “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Through the broad streets of that gigantic city and through its lanes and alleys, in its public squares, the voice was heard, sharp and shrill, of that lone man—“Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” No rod was turned into a serpent. No mountains were made to smoke. None were struck dead by the sudden hand of God. No paralytics and sick folk were healed. No signs were given to the men of Nineveh, but the declaration of that one man sent of God was sufficient to denounce and discover their sin.
    [Show full text]
  • Kebra Nagast
    TheQueenofShebaand HerOnlySonMenyelek (KëbraNagast) translatedby SirE.A.WallisBudge InparenthesesPublications EthiopianSeries Cambridge,Ontario2000 Preface ThisvolumecontainsacompleteEnglishtranslationofthe famousEthiopianwork,“TheKëbraNagast,”i.e.the“Gloryof theKings[ofEthiopia].”Thisworkhasbeenheldinpeculiar honourinAbyssiniaforseveralcenturies,andthroughoutthat countryithasbeen,andstillis,veneratedbythepeopleas containingthefinalproofoftheirdescentfromtheHebrew Patriarchs,andofthekinshipoftheirkingsoftheSolomonic linewithChrist,theSonofGod.Theimportanceofthebook, bothforthekingsandthepeopleofAbyssinia,isclearlyshown bytheletterthatKingJohnofEthiopiawrotetothelateLord GranvilleinAugust,1872.Thekingsays:“Thereisabook called’KiveraNegust’whichcontainstheLawofthewholeof Ethiopia,andthenamesoftheShûms[i.e.Chiefs],and Churches,andProvincesareinthisbook.IÊprayyoufindout whohasgotthisbook,andsendittome,forinmycountrymy peoplewillnotobeymyorderswithoutit.”Thefirstsummary ofthecontentsofthe KëbraNagast waspublishedbyBruceas farbackas1813,butlittleinterestwasrousedbyhissomewhat baldprécis.And,inspiteofthelaboursofPrætorius,Bezold, andHuguesleRoux,thecontentsoftheworkarestill practicallyunknowntothegeneralreaderinEngland.Itis hopedthatthetranslationgiveninthefollowingpageswillbe ii Preface ofusetothosewhohavenotthetimeoropportunityfor perusingtheEthiopicoriginal. TheKëbraNagast isagreatstorehouseoflegendsand traditions,somehistoricalandsomeofapurelyfolk-lore character,derivedfromtheOldTestamentandthelater Rabbinicwritings,andfromEgyptian(bothpaganand
    [Show full text]