Sacred Wisdom: What Does the Quran Say about Masjid Al-Aqsa

In the heart of Jerusalem, amidst the captivating tapestry of history and spirituality, lies a place revered by Muslims around the world Masjid Al-Aqsa. An iconic symbol of Islamic heritage, Masjid Al-Aqsa holds a special place in the hearts of believers. But what does the Quran, the holy book of Islam, reveal about this sacred site?

Understanding the Significance:

To comprehend the Quranic perspective on Masjid Al-Aqsa, one must delve into the historical and spiritual context surrounding this revered mosque. The Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, alludes to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Surah Al-Isra (17:1), recounting the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque.

Surah Al-Isra (17:1) states, “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings we have blessed, to show him of our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the seeing.”

Prophetic Connection:

The night journey, known as Isra and Mi’raj, marks a significant event in Islamic history, underscoring the spiritual connection between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Masjid Al-Aqsa. This divine journey highlights the sanctity of the mosque and its surroundings as a blessed site.

قَدْ نَرٰى تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِی السَّمَآءِۚ-فَلَنُوَلِّیَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضٰىهَا۪-فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِؕ-وَ حَیْثُ مَا كُنْتُمْ فَوَلُّوْا وُجُوْهَكُمْ شَطْرَهٗؕ-وَ اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ لَیَعْلَمُوْنَ اَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّهِمْؕ-وَ مَا اللّٰهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا یَعْمَلُوْنَ(144)

ہم تمہارے چہرے کا آسمان کی طرف باربار اٹھنا دیکھ رہے ہیں تو ضرور ہم تمہیں اس قبلہ کی طرف پھیر دیں گے جس میں تمہاری خوشی ہے تو ابھی اپناچہرہ مسجد حرام کی طرف پھیر دو اور اے مسلمانو! تم جہاں کہیں ہو اپنا منہ اسی کی طرف کرلو اور بیشک وہ لوگ جنہیں کتاب عطا کی گئی ہے وہ ضرور جانتے ہیں کہ یہ تبدیلی ان کے رب کی طرف سے حق ہے اور اللہ ان کے اعمال سے بے خبر نہیں(144)

Further insights into the Quranic perspective on Masjid Al-Aqsa can be found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144), emphasizing the directional shift of the Qibla (the direction faced during prayer) from Jerusalem to Mecca. This adjustment solidifies the connection between the two holy cities, underscoring the sanctity of Masjid Al-Aqsa in the Islamic tradition.

Unity and Brotherhood:

The Quran promotes principles of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. In the context of Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Quranic verses reinforce the significance of this sacred site as a unifying force for the Muslim Ummah.

اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَیْتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِیْ بِبَكَّةَ مُبٰرَكًا وَّ هُدًى لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَ(96)

بیشک سب سے پہلا گھر جو لوگوں کی عبادت کے لئے بنایا گیا وہ ہے جو مکہ میں ہے برکت والا ہے اور سارے جہان والوں کے لئے ہدایت ہے۔(96)

Surah Al-Imran (3:96) states, “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” While the primary focus is on the Kaaba in Mecca, the Quran acknowledges the spiritual significance of other sacred sites, including Masjid Al-Aqsa.

Preservation and Protection:

The Quran not only emphasizes the spiritual importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa but also underscores the responsibility of Muslims to safeguard and protect it. The sanctity of this holy site extends beyond its physical boundaries to the collective duty of the Muslim community.

مَثَلُ الَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ اَنْۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِیْ كُلِّ سُنْۢبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍؕ-وَ اللّٰهُ یُضٰعِفُ لِمَنْ یَّشَآءُؕ-وَ اللّٰهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِیْمٌ(261)

ان لوگوں کی مثال جو اپنے مال اللہ کی راہ میں خرچ کرتے ہیں اس دانے کی طرح ہے جس نے سات بالیاں اگائیں ،ہر بالی میں سو دانے ہیں اور اللہ اس سے بھی زیادہ بڑھائے جس کے لئے چاہے اور اللہ وسعت والا، علم والا ہے۔(261)

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261) encourages believers to spend in the cause of Allah, ensuring the preservation and maintenance of sacred places. By extension, this includes the responsibility to protect and uphold the sanctity of Masjid Al-Aqsa.

Conclusion:

In unraveling the Quranic perspective on Masjid Al-Aqsa, one discovers a profound connection between the holy book of Islam and this revered mosque. The night journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the shift of the Qibla, and the principles of unity and protection articulated in the Quran all contribute to the rich tapestry of significance woven around Masjid Al-Aqsa. As Muslims reflect on the divine verses, the message is clear Masjid is not merely a physical structure but a spiritual beacon, radiating the wisdom and guidance of the Quran for the Muslim Ummah.