Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Masjid Al-Aqsa or Bayt al-Maqdis, is one of the most significant structures in Islam. The term “Masjid Al-Aqsa” means “the farthest mosque.” It was once the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. Although it remains under Muslim administration, the region is currently occupied by the illegitimate state of Israel. In this episode of Fog Fire, we explore the history and importance of Islam’s third holiest site—Masjid Al-Aqsa or Bayt al-Maqdis.
According to historical accounts, forty years after the construction of the Holy Kaaba, Prophet Yaqub (Jacob, peace be upon him) built Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Later, under the direction of Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him), Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon, peace be upon him) reconstructed the mosque. Initially named Bayt al-Maqdis, the Quran later referred to it as Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa.
In terms of sanctity, Masjid Al-Aqsa ranks just after the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina. Before the Kaaba became the Qibla, Muslims prayed facing Al-Aqsa. It is one of the sacred places mentioned in the Holy Quran. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged visiting three mosques: Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, and Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. According to Hadith, a year before the Hijrah, on the 27th of Rajab during the night of Isra and Miraj, the Prophet first arrived at Bayt al-Maqdis.
He tied the Buraq (his heavenly steed) outside and entered the mosque to offer two units of prayer. Al-Aqsa is not a single mosque but a complex of five main structures: Masjid al-Qibli, Masjid al-Marwani, Masjid al-Karim, Masjid al-Buraq, and Tubbatur Sakam. Spread over 27 acres, the mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers at once.
The ablution fountain of the mosque is known as Al-Kas or “the Cup.” Islamic tradition considers the walled area of 140 square kilometers as part of Masjid Al-Aqsa. It includes the Dome of the Rock, the main Al-Aqsa Mosque, Masjid al-Nisa, madrasas, and a vast open field. At its center lies the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhrah)—one of the three most blessed stones in the world, the others being the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) and Maqam Ibrahim in Mecca.
According to Islamic belief, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) attempted to sacrifice his beloved son on this rock as per Allah’s command. The Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik ibn Marwan built the Dome of the Rock over this sacred stone, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is said to have sat on it during his Miraj.
Throughout history, the control of Al-Aqsa changed hands multiple times, leading to significant alterations. In 1969, with Israeli support, a radical Jew set part of the mosque on fire. Since then, attacks on this sacred Qibla have continued, often backed overtly and covertly by the U.S. and Israel.
A massive earthquake in 746 CE completely destroyed the mosque, which was rebuilt by Caliph Al-Mansur in 754 CE. It was renovated again in 780 CE. Unfortunately, another earthquake in 1033 CE destroyed it, and two years later, Caliph Ali az-Zahir rebuilt it in the same location. The current mosque stands on that foundation.
During various renovations, additions like minbars (pulpits) and minarets were added. In 638 CE, during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), Muslims took control of Jerusalem. After 461 years, conflicts among Jews, Christians, and Muslims began over this sacred site.
Christians believe the site is their holy Temple Mount, sparking a historical conflict that still persists today. In 1096, Christian Crusaders captured parts of Syria and Palestine and turned Al-Aqsa into a church, triggering the Crusades.
After 88 years under Christian control, in 1187, the Muslim warrior Salahuddin Ayyubi recaptured Jerusalem. Although the Crusaders were defeated, they began long-term plans to take over the entire region of Palestine.
Jews later requested permission from the Ottoman ruler Sultan Abdul Hamid to purchase Palestinian land, offering to repay all Ottoman foreign debts in return. Although the Sultan rejected this conspiracy, Jews secretly began occupying land.
In 1917, the British entered Palestine and by 1920 had established full control. They appointed a Jewish commissioner named Sir Samuel Herbert and opened Palestine for Jewish immigration.
Several notable events occurred around Al-Aqsa in the 20th century. On July 20, 1951, Jordan’s King Abdullah I was assassinated while attending Friday prayers at the mosque. In the 1980s, two Jews attempted to blow up parts of the mosque but failed.
Imperialist America provided substantial financial support for Jewish resettlement in Palestine, and soon after, Jews began settling there permanently. On May 15, 1948, the Balfour Declaration led to the establishment of the illegal Zionist state of Israel.
Following its founding, Jewish settlers intensified oppression against Muslims. Many Muslims fled Palestine, and Jerusalem came under Jewish control again.
In the 1967 Six-Day War, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria fought against Israel, but the Muslims lost, failing to retain control of Al-Aqsa. Since then, Muslims have faced inhumane persecution, and Palestinians continue their bloody struggle to reclaim their homeland and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The crisis worsened when U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, despite no other country supporting this illegal occupation.
On October 13, 2016, UNESCO voted that Masjid Al-Aqsa is solely a Muslim holy site and declared any Israeli interference as illegitimate. However, this resolution has yet to be enforced, and Israel continues to escalate violence against Palestinians.
Toward the end of the 19th century, rising anti-Semitism in Europe led Jews to aspire for an independent nation. At that time, the British actively supported Jewish colonization in Palestine. The conflict between Israel and Palestine began with the birth of the Israeli state—and this war continues to this day.
President Donald Trump’s implementation of tariffs has led to significant economic consequences both domestically and internationally. Below are eight charts that illustrate these impacts:
- Surge in U.S. Tariffs Compared to Other Economies: This chart demonstrates how, within a year, U.S. tariffs have escalated beyond those of other advanced economies, marking a substantial shift in trade policy.
- Impact on U.S. Farmers Due to Retaliatory Tariffs: U.S. agricultural exports suffered significant losses, with China imposing tariffs leading to a $25.7 billion reduction in exports.
- Stock Market Reaction to Tariff Announcements: Following the announcement of major tariffs, the U.S. stock market experienced a sharp decline, reflecting investor concerns about potential economic repercussions.
- Potential Economic Effects of Tariffs and Trade War: An analysis indicates that tariffs could reduce U.S. imports by 15%, disrupt supply chains, and increase consumer prices, with certain sectors like automotive and agriculture being particularly vulnerable.
- Tariffs Imposed on Top U.S. Trading Partners: This chart shows the extent of tariffs placed on goods from major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, affecting billions in trade value.
- China’s Concerns Over U.S. Tariffs: The Chinese economy faced significant challenges due to U.S. tariffs, impacting sectors such as technology and manufacturing.
- GDP Impact of Tariffs on China: The imposed tariffs are projected to reduce China’s GDP growth, highlighting the broader economic implications of the trade war.
- Effect on U.S. Advertising Spending: The introduction of tariffs has led to concerns among U.S. advertisers, with many planning to reduce ad spending, particularly in sectors like retail and e-commerce.
These charts collectively depict the multifaceted economic impact of the tariffs introduced during President Trump’s administration, affecting various sectors and international relationships.
The History of Al-Aqsa Mosque: A Symbol of Faith, Struggle, and Legacy
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem, is one of the holiest sites in Islam, revered not only for its religious significance but also for its rich, complex history that spans centuries of cultural, political, and religious transformations. Known as Masjid al-Aqsa or Bayt al-Maqdis, it holds a central place in Islamic tradition and has been a focal point of worship, pilgrimage, and political struggle.
Early History and Construction
The roots of Al-Aqsa Mosque trace back to over 4,000 years ago, when Prophet Yaqub (Jacob, peace be upon him) is said to have initiated the building of the mosque in Jerusalem. It was later reconstructed under the guidance of Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him) and Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon, peace be upon him) in the 10th century BCE. Initially called Bayt al-Maqdis, the mosque was named Al-Aqsa in the Quran, which means “the farthest mosque.”
For centuries, Al-Aqsa was the first Qibla for Muslims before the Kaaba in Mecca became the primary direction of prayer. The mosque’s sanctity is affirmed by its frequent mention in the Quran as a sacred place, making it a spiritual center for Muslims worldwide.
The Dome of the Rock and Key Features
At the heart of the Al-Aqsa compound lies the Dome of the Rock, a significant symbol of Islam. The Dome houses the Sacred Rock (Al-Sakhrah), where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) was believed to have prepared to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. This rock holds a profound significance and is considered one of the three most sacred stones in Islam, along with the Hajar al-Aswad in Mecca and Maqam Ibrahim.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex comprises several buildings, including the Qibli Mosque, Marwani Mosque, Al-Buraq Mosque, and others. Together, these structures form one of the largest and most majestic religious sites in the world.
The Struggle for Control
Throughout its history, control over Al-Aqsa has shifted many times, with the mosque undergoing several renovations and reconstructions due to earthquakes and invasions. In 1969, a tragic event marked the mosque’s history when a radical Jewish extremist set part of it on fire with the support of Israel, sparking ongoing tensions. Despite its spiritual significance, the mosque remains under the de facto control of Israel, a situation that has led to continued conflict between the Israeli state and Palestinian Muslims, who regard it as an integral part of their heritage and faith.
Al-Aqsa has also been the focal point of religious and political conflicts. The Crusaders occupied the site in the 11th century, turning it into a church. However, in 1187, the Muslim warrior Salahuddin Ayyubi reclaimed Jerusalem, restoring the mosque to Muslim hands. Afterward, various renovations and expansions continued, culminating in the current structure, built on the foundations of the earlier buildings.
The Modern-Day Struggle
The conflict surrounding Al-Aqsa remains one of the most enduring symbols of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite international recognition of the mosque’s significance to Muslims, ongoing Israeli military control and settlement expansion in Jerusalem have heightened tensions. The recent actions of various international players, including the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, have further intensified the situation, leading to protests and violence.
The UNESCO has officially declared Al-Aqsa as a Muslim heritage site, affirming its status as the exclusive religious domain of Muslims. However, the path to peace remains elusive, as Palestinians continue to fight for their rights to the land and the preservation of their sacred sites.
A Sacred Legacy
Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just a building; it is a symbol of resistance, faith, and the unyielding desire for justice. For Muslims, it represents a historical and spiritual connection to their faith and the legacy of the Prophets. Despite the challenges and hardships, the mosque remains an enduring symbol of hope and a focal point for all who seek peace in the region.
