- Where is Palestine?
Palestine is a beautiful country in the Middle East with valleys, mountains, and rivers. It has trees on which the world’s most yummy dates, olives, and oranges are grown.
- What and where is Masjid Al-Aqsa?
Masjid Al-Aqsa is mentioned in the Quran as a blessed site for all Muslims around the world. It is the second most sacred site on Earth after Makkah, and it was the first Qibla (direction of prayers) for the early Muslims.
It is a huge open space with multiple indoor praying areas, but the entire compound is considered Al-Aqsa.
Al-Aqsa is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, which basically is a huge, enclosed city (like a massive fort) with only a handful of doors to get in and out. It has residential areas, markets, and religious places.
The Old City of Jerusalem is made up of four quarters: the Jewish quarter, the Christian quarter, the Muslim quarter, and the Armenian quarter.
Masjid Al-Aqsa is situated in the Muslim quarter, in East Jerusalem. Legally, Palestine has ownership of Al-Aqsa.
- Why should we love Masjid Al-Aqsa?
Prophet Muhammad (sa) made His miraculous journey up to the heavens from this Masjid after He himself led the most incredible prayer in congregation, with the prophets and thousands of angels praying behind him. It is the birthplace of Prophet Isa (as). Such Prophets as Sulaiman (as) and Zakariya (sa) used to worship here.
This is an excerpt from the print issue.
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