Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the same compound as the Dome of the Rock is an extremely important site for the many of the same reasons. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third most holy site for Muslims. Muslims believe that Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Al-Aqsa during the Night Journey.

The mosque began as a small prayer house which was tumbled by an earthquake in 746. It was rebuilt but then in 1033 another earthquake destroyed most of it. The structure we see today was then constructed. It has been added onto during renovations.

Like the Dome of the Rock, possession went to the Crusaders in 1099 when it was used as a palace and a church. The muslim, Saladin, who I understand rebuilt the current walls of Jerusalem recaptured it in 1187. Although most of the Old City of Jerusalem is under Israeli control, but the mosque, and the whole temple compound remains under the Palestinian-led Islamic waqf.

This photo shows the mosque from outside the temple mount. We are looking at the southern wall of the compound. The silver dome is part of the mosque.


Non muslims may visit the site, but may not lead prayers or worship services. Even as recently as this week, there have been clashes, as Extremist Israeli Jews stormed the compound. Click the red letters to a link on that article dated August 18, 2013. Great tension remains as the balance of control and visitation are challenged.