Masjid al-Aqsa — The Third Sacred Mosque
الْمَسْجِدُ الأَقْصَى
Masjid al-Aqsa is the third holiest mosque in Islam, situated on the Temple Mount (al-Haram al-Sharif) in Jerusalem. It was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) before it was changed to Mecca. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem in the miraculous Night Journey (al-Isra), and then ascended to the heavens in al-Miraj — both taking place in a single night. The Al-Aqsa compound includes the iconic Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra) built over the rock from which the Prophet ascended.
Why it Matters
Al-Aqsa is a site of profound historical and spiritual importance to Islam. Prayer here carries the merit of 500 prayers elsewhere. The Prophet said: 'Do not journey to any mosque except three: al-Masjid al-Haram, my mosque, and al-Masjid al-Aqsa.' It is a central aspiration for all Muslims worldwide.
Dua when visiting
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ
Also in this region
4- Masjid al-Haram & the Sacred Kaaba Mecca Anbiya المَسْجِدُ الحَرَامُ
- Masjid al-Haram — The Grand Mosque of Mecca Mecca Anbiya المَسجِدُ الحَرَامُ
- Masjid al-Nabawi — The Prophet's Mosque, Medina Medina Anbiya المَسجِدُ النَّبَوِي
- Rawdah al-Nabawiyya — Grave of the Prophet (SAW) Madina al-Munawwara Anbiya الرَّوضَةُ النَّبَوِ