11 OCT, 2023
Ayaan Paul Chowdhury
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
Al-Aqsa was originally a silver-domed mosque located within the 35-acre compound known as al-Haram al-Sharif to Muslims, and the Temple Mount to Jews.
Photo: AFP
The compound is situated in the Old City of Jerusalem, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and holds great religious importance for Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity.
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
The conflict surrounding this site dates back well before the establishment of Israel and has been a contentious issue since Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
Al-Aqsa means "the farthest mosque" and is an essential part of Haram al-Sharif, including the Dome of the Rock, minarets, historic gates, and the mosque itself.
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
The Quran references Al-Aqsa in Sura 17, verse 1, linking it to the story of Muhammad's "Isra", his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
It is believed that Muhammad ascended to heaven from the site, which is marked by the Dome of the Rock.
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
The mosque's history dates back to the 7th century and has undergone multiple constructions, destructions, and renovations.
Photo: visitmasjidalaqsa
In 1947, the UN partitioned historical Palestine into two states, with Jerusalem designated as an international city due to its significance to all Abrahamic faiths.
Photo: Getty Images
The first Arab-Israeli war erupted in 1948, leading to Israel's declaration of statehood and its capture of a significant portion of the land.
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Israel's control over East Jerusalem, including the Old City and Al-Aqsa, has been a subject of international dispute and violates principles of international law.
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For Muslims, the Noble Sanctuary houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, and the Dome of the Rock.
Photo: Getty Images
Jews consider the compound to be the location of the Biblical Jewish temples but are forbidden from praying there.
Photo: Getty Images
Control of the compound is divided, with the Waqf overseeing internal matters and Israel responsible for external security.
Photo: Twitter/Cool_Ustaz
Rising Temple movements in Israel challenge the ban on Jewish entry to the compound and aim to rebuild the Third Jewish Temple there.
Video: Twitter/MuhammadSmiry
Ongoing tensions and conflicts in and around Al-Aqsa continue to be a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to significant unrest and international attention.
Photo: Getty Images
Al-Aqsa holds deep religious and political significance and remains a critical factor in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.