Why is Masjid al-Aqsa the third holiest site in Islam?

Masjid al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam because it was the first Qibla (direction of prayer), the destination of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) Night Journey (Isra), and the point of his ascension to the heavens (Mi'raj). Numerous hadith also state the multiplied reward for praying there.

Who first built Masjid al-Aqsa?

According to a hadith narrated by Abu Dharr, Masjid al-Aqsa was the second mosque built on Earth, forty years after the Kaaba in Makkah. Islamic scholars hold different views on the initial builder, with some attributing it to Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) or the angels, and later rebuilt by prophets like Ibrahim and Sulayman (peace be upon them).

What is the difference between Masjid al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock?

Masjid al-Aqsa refers to the entire sacred compound (Haram al-Sharif), which includes multiple structures. The main congregational mosque with the silver/grey dome is specifically called the Qibli Mosque. The Dome of the Rock is the iconic golden-domed shrine within the compound, built over the rock from which the Prophet (ﷺ) is believed to have ascended to the heavens.

Masjid al-Aqsa: Islam's Third Holiest Sanctuary & First Qibla

Masjid al-Aqsa

المسجد الأقصى

Masjid al-Aqsa (المسجد الأقصى) is a sacred mosque in Jerusalem, considered to be the third holiest place in Islam.

Explore Verses Related to Masjid al-Aqsa

🕋Al-Isra17:1

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, Masjid al-Aqsa, meaning 'the Farthest Mosque', is the third holiest site in Islam, located in Jerusalem. The Quran, in Surah Al-Isra (17:1), explicitly mentions it as the destination of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) miraculous Night Journey from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and describes its surroundings as 'blessed'. Scholarly consensus, based on authentic hadith, confirms that it was the second mosque built on Earth, forty years after the Kaaba, and served as the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims for about 16-17 months after the Hijra. Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah clarify that the name 'Masjid al-Aqsa' applies to the entire noble sanctuary (Haram al-Sharif), which includes the Qibli Mosque (with the silver dome) and the Dome of the Rock. It holds immense significance as the place where the Prophet (ﷺ) led all previous prophets in prayer, symbolizing the continuity of divine revelation and the unity of prophethood.

📖 Quranic Context

Central to the miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and described as a blessed sanctuary.

A house of worship whose precincts are divinely blessed by Allah, chosen as a destination for prophets and a center for divine revelation.

References: 17:1

💭 Theological Perspective

A focal point for the spiritual aspirations of believers and a reminder of the continuity of divine guidance throughout history.

A symbol of hope, resilience, and unity for the Muslim Ummah, fostering a deep spiritual connection and sense of identity.

The first direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims and the site from which the final Prophet (ﷺ) ascended to the heavens, signifying its pivotal role in divine communication.

A place of immense reward for prayer and a destination for spiritual journeys, encouraging believers to seek closeness to Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Numerous hadith highlight its virtues, the reward for praying within it, and its significance as one of the three mosques to which travel is recommended.

The second mosque built on Earth, forty years after the Kaaba.
The first Qibla of the Muslims.
The site of the Isra and Mi'raj.
The reward of prayer being multiplied, with some narrations mentioning 250, 500, or 1000 times the reward of praying elsewhere.
The land of the prophets and the place where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) led all other prophets in prayer.

Universal agreement among Islamic scholars on its sanctity and importance as the third holiest site in Islam.

💎 Deeper Insights

Ibn Taymiyyah's clarification that 'Masjid al-Aqsa' refers to the entire 144,000 square meter compound is a crucial 'hidden gem' that corrects the common misconception of it being only the silver-domed mosque. This understanding transforms one's appreciation of the sanctity of every part of the Haram al-Sharif.

— Ibn Taymiyyah

The construction of Masjid al-Aqsa is attributed to various prophets throughout history, signifying a continuous chain of divine heritage. While Prophet Adam (pbuh) may have laid the first foundation 40 years after the Kaaba, it was rebuilt and renovated by prophets like Ibrahim, Dawud, and Sulayman (pbut), making it a living testament to the unity of prophethood.

— Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Qurtubi