Al-Aqsa Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Aqṣā)
Definition
Al-Aqsa Mosque, known in Arabic as المسجد الأقصى (Al-Masjid al-Aqṣā), is a seventh-century mosque located in the Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) in Jerusalem. It is referred to as the “Farther Mosque” to distinguish it from the “Holy Mosque” of Mecca. This mosque plays a significant role in Islamic theology due to its association with the Prophet Muhammad’s Nocturnal Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) as mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Isra 17:1).
Etymology
The name Al-Aqsa means “the farthest” in Arabic, indicating its distant location from Mecca. In modern Turkish, it is referred to as “Mescid-i Aksa.”
Historical Context
Following the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE, the first structure of Al-Aqsa Mosque was established around this time. However, it was under the Umayyad caliph al-Walid I in 715 CE that a much larger edifice was constructed at the southern end of the Haram al-Sharif. This structure faced destruction and various reconstructions over centuries, most notably being significantly rebuilt in the eleventh century.
Significant Events
One tragic event in its recent history was the 1969 arson attack that destroyed the twelfth-century pulpit (minbar), a distinguished gift by Salah al-Din (Saladin) after reclaiming Jerusalem.
Architectural Evolution
The current form of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a result of various stages of reconstruction, especially reflecting influences from the eleventh century. The architectural style of the mosque displays Islamic, Byzantine, and Persian elements, a testament to the cultural and historical syncretism in Islamic architecture.
Related Terms
- Haram al-Sharif: The larger sacred compound within which Al-Aqsa Mosque is situated.
- Jerusalem (القدس Al-Quds): The holy city where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, significant in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Suggested Reading
- “The History of Jerusalem: The Early Muslim Period” by Joshua Prawer
- “Sacred Law in the Holy City: The Khedival Challenge to the Ottomans as Seen from Jerusalem, 1829-1841” by Aryeh Shmuelevitz
- “Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths” by Karen Armstrong
- “Islamic Architecture in Jerusalem: An Introduction” by Myriam Rosen-Ayalon
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as a symbol of Islamic architectural resilience and historical significance, bearing testament to multiple layers of Islamic history and religious importance. From its association with Prophet Muhammad’s night journey to its architectural elegance and historical challenges, Al-Aqsa continues to be a pivotal element in the religious and cultural identity of Muslims worldwide.
For further exploration, consider examining the intertwined religious histories surrounding Jerusalem and its broader geopolitical implications.
