Al-Aqsa Mosque Facts & Worksheets

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is Islam’s third holiest site, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually across Palestine and the Muslim world. The mosque is also an embodiment of Palestinian resistance, and it has frequently been damaged in raids by Israeli forces and extremist organizations aiming to replace it with a temple.

See the fact file below for more information on Al-Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem, or you can download our 29-page Al-Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• Al Masjid Al Aqsa was Islam’s initial qibla and a prominent and essential place of devotion for the Prophets of Islam. It was established 40 years after Makkah’s Al Masjid Al Haram. 
• Scholars disagree on who constructed Al Masjid Al Aqsa, with some claiming that Prophet Adam (as) built it and others claiming that Prophet Ibrahim (as) made it. 
• It has also been restored, refurbished, and enlarged several times throughout Islamic history.
• Because there was no one left among Prophet Yaqub’s descendants to care for Al Masjid Al Aqsa (which had the name “Beteyel” or “House of God” at the time), watch for this sacred place was handed over to the native population of the land (who were also those who follow of Prophet Ibrahim (as)), the Palestinians.
• It was a favorite place of worship for Prophet Ibrahim (as), his son Prophet Ishaq (as), and his grandson Prophet Yaqub (as). 
• When Prophet Yaqub’s son, Prophet Yusuf (as), grew to prominence in Egypt, he urged his family to join him to escape the poverty that had descended on Palestine. 
• This number included his father, Prophet Yaqub (as), and Prophet Yusuf’s siblings and descendants [Book of Genesis], for a total of 33 (Allahu aalam). 
• Prophet Daoud (as) created a kingdom in a portion of Palestine and ruled over Jerusalem. With the cooperation of the local indigenous community, his son Prophet Suleiman (as) reconstructed Al Masjid Al Aqsa and built the ruler’s residence next to it. 
• Following Prophet Suleiman’s death, his two sons split his country among themselves, each with their capital. 
• These kingdoms lasted just roughly two hundred years, with the final king of Jerusalem in this dynasty being dethroned in 586/587 BCE when he sought to oppose the Babylonians (headed by King Nebuchadnezzar) but failed owing to the Babylonians’ debilitating siege of the city.
• Al Masjid Al Aqsa was demolished again shortly after the Babylonians acquired Jerusalem.
• The Persians ousted the Babylonians (during which efforts to rebuild Al Masjid Al Aqsa as a worship place were renewed). However, ownership changed hands numerous times after that. 
• After a revolution in the city in 70 CE, the Romans demolished Al Masjid Al Aqsa, rebuilt it, and then destroyed it again within a century.
• By the time the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 315-325 CE, the Romans and the people who lived in their land (including the Jews) had lost respect for Al Masjid Al Aqsa. They no longer treated it as a place of sanctity and worship, alongside the site of Al Masjid Al Aqsa being used as a waste disposal site for the city’s citizens. 
• This is how Al Masjid Al Aqsa remained for several hundred years until the Prophet Muhammad (saw) restored the spirituality of this magnificent site and his great companion Umar Ibn Al Khattab (ra) liberated it.
• For several reasons, Al Masjid Al Aqsa held a particular position in the life of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
• First, since Al Masjid Al Aqsa was essential to many of his fellow Prophets (as), with whom he had a special relationship (Islam, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (as), is a continuation, completion, and perfection of the monotheistic faith and message preached by all of Allah’s prophets including Prophet Adam (as), Prophet Nuh (as), Prophet Ibrahim (as).
• The most crucial reason Al Masjid Al Aqsa has such significance in his life is that it was the spot to which he traveled on the night of Israa and where he performed his Miraaj to the Heavens.
• According to Hadith, the Prophet (saw) visited the Kaaba at night and fell asleep. The Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) then awakened him and escorted him to Buraq, a winged white beast. 
• The Prophet (saw) then made the trek to Jerusalem (a voyage that would typically take 40 days) in a single night on Buraq.  
• When the Prophet (saw) arrived in Jerusalem, he met and led the past Prophets in prayer at Al Masjid Al Aqsa before embarking on the Miraaj to the Heavens.
• The journey of Israa was so significant that Allah revealed verses about it in the Holy Quran: “Glorified be He [Allah] Who took His servant for a night journey from Al Masjid Al Haram to Al Masjid Al Aqsa, whose precincts We did bless so that We might show him some of Our Signs.” “Truly, He is All-Hearing and All-Seeing” [17:1].
• After the Prophet Muhammad (saw) died, Umar Ibn Al Khattab, the second khalif of Islam (and a personal companion of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)), invaded and compassionately liberated Jerusalem (accompanied by 40,000 sahaba). 
• It happened at the invitation of the Christian leader of the time, without losing blood and with the promise of protecting the lives, property, and places of worship of anyone who desired to remain in the city. 
• Because Umar’s attitude and qualities closely resembled and matched those of the predicted liberator of Jerusalem, the city’s inhabitants were ready to embrace and accept his leadership.
• As previously stated, when he arrived at the location of Al Masjid Al Aqsa in 637/638 CE, he saw a patch of ground that had been left barren and had been used as a garbage pile by the Romans. 
• When he saw this, he took responsibility for removing the rubbish with his hands and rebuilding Al Masjid Al Aqsa—the coming of Umar and the Muslims and their equitable reign thrilled Christians and Jews.
• In 691/692 CE, Abd’ al-Malik bin Marwan began construction of what is currently referred to as the dome on top of the Rock. Some believe it was the place of Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) Miraaj to the Heavens. 
• However, regardless of whether the Rock is significant, its primary value stems from being within Al Masjid Al Aqsa bounds and part of Al Masjid Al Aqsa.
• The Muslims were victims of one of the worst and bloodiest days in their history when they lost Al Masjid Al Aqsa to the Crusaders in 1099 CE. When they arrived in Jerusalem, the Crusaders declared they would not take any captives, and many Muslims fled to Al Masjid Al Aqsa to seek safety. 
• Later, the Crusaders stormed the hallowed Masjid, slaughtering thousands of Muslims. 
• Al Masjid Al Aqsa was later turned into a palace, and it took 88 years for Muslims to regain it in 1187, led by the renowned leader Salahuddin Ayyubi. 
• His reclaiming of Jerusalem and Al Masjid Al Aqsa was evocative of Umar Ibn Al Khattab’s liberation five centuries before and stood in striking contrast to the Crusaders’ acts just a generation earlier. 
• Salahuddin Ayabbi, like Umar Ibn Al Khattab, did not allow the murder of civilians or troops. After recovering Al Masjid Al Aqsa, he used his hands to clean the hallowed ground, sprinkling rosewater throughout the Masjid.
• For a significant period – approximately eight centuries – the Muslims had unhindered control of Jerusalem and Al Masjid Al Aqsa. Their rule was characterized by peace, justice, and prosperity. 
• The sacred precincts of Al Masjid Al Aqsa became a significant center of learning, with academics from all over the globe going to study and teach. 
• Throughout the era, Christians and Jews were secure and protected, and their rights as People of the Book were honored.

ARCHITECTURE

• The mosque, which covers 14 hectares, comprises the golden-domed Dome of the Rock, one of Jerusalem’s most recognizable structures, and the ancient al-Qibli Mosque, all deemed sacred.
• The massive complex, also known as Haram al-Sharif, or “noble sanctuary” in Arabic, had 15 gates that allowed worshippers to flow into its grounds from the neighboring Old City of Jerusalem.
• Only ten of these are still in service and are guarded by highly armed Israeli troops and police personnel.
• Located in the southeast corner of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Dome of the Rock can be seen anywhere in the city.
• The complete complex within the outer walls is 144,000 square meters and contains mosques, prayer rooms, courtyards, and religious sites. 
• Some significant architectural alterations are mentioned in the history of Al-Aqsa. 
• The mosque is erected on an artificial platform supported by arches designed to overcome rigid typographic constraints. The initial refurbishment took place in 1922. 
• The repairs created the mosque’s historic Umayyad foundations, transforming the internal columns with beam replacement. 
• These preserved the arches and drums in the central dome’s interior. 
• The southern wall was similarly reconstructed, with a concrete slab replacing the wood.
• Some of the improvements, however, were wrecked by earthquakes. As a result, the architecture boiled down to:
• A 36-acre rectangular mosque capable of accommodating 5000 people.
  • A Dome of Rock of Byzantine architecture.
• The Dome of the Rock is 66 feet long and octagonal in design. 
  • The dome is golden in hue and rests over an octagonal arcade with 24 piers and columns. 
  • Finally, the walls immediately surrounding the crown are approximately 60 feet broad and 36 feet tall. 
  • Each structure has several windows. 
  • Although nothing from the original structure exists, the current dome is wooden and coated with enamel work.
  • A chapel or Muslim prayer hall is beneath the dome in the southern portion of the Masjid.
  • The mosque also has a front with balustrades made of arcades and tiny columns.
  • The mosque’s interior has seven aisles and several halls. The mosaic and inscriptions are near the main entrance, close to the dome.

IMPORTANCE OF MOSQUE

• Al-Aqsa has two meanings in Arabic: “the furthest,” which relates to its distance from Mecca as specified in Islam’s sacred book, the Quran, and “the supreme,” which alludes to its prestige among Muslims.
• Muslims also believe the place is where the Prophet Muhammad joined his fellow prophets in prayer during the Miraj, a miraculous night trip.
• Aside from its religious significance, al-Aqsa symbolizes Palestinian culture and nationhood.  
• Muslims from all over the globe recognize the gleaming golden Dome of the Rock, and praying there is considered a tremendous honor.
• Pilgrimages to the Muslim holy places of Mecca and Medina involved a stopover at Jerusalem in the days before contemporary borders.
• Thousands of worshipers still go to al-Aqsa’s huge courtyards every Friday for congregational prayers.
• During Ramadan, the neighborhood is exceptionally crowded with worshipers who come to the mosque for the special midnight Taraweeh prayers.
• On Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the mood in the region becomes more joyful, with singing, processions, and the distribution of sweets to passers-by.
• For Jews, the location is known as the Temple Mount, and it is believed that two ancient Jewish temples once stood there: one erected by King Solomon (Suleiman in Arabic), which the Babylonians destroyed, and another destroyed by the Romans.

FUN FACTS

• Masjid Al Aqsa is a group of mosques, not simply one.
• The primary mosque in the Al Aqsa compound is Qibla Mosque, located in the complex’s southern corner.
• The Haram Al-Sharif or Al Aqsa Mosque also contains the Buraq Masjid and the Marwani Mosque.
• The compound has several graves of great Muslims, including the burial of Prophet Suleiman.
• Along with the Holy Kaaba, the name of the Masjid is referenced in the holy book of the Quran.
• The excellent Islamic literary book Ihyaa Ulum Al-Din by Abu Hamid Al Ghazali was written within Al Aqsa.
• The rock dome was one of the first domes erected in Islam.
• Romans had long used Al Aqsa as a dumping site until Hazrat Umar cleansed the premises of rubbish and filth.
• This mosque, a significant component of Islamic history, symbolizes Allah’s magnificence. It represents many things and is a prominent Islamic holy place for Muslims worldwide. 
• A visit here is needed to appreciate the magnificence and beauty of the Al Aqsa mosque.

Al-Aqsa Mosque Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Al-Aqsa Mosque across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is Islam’s third holiest site, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually across Palestine and the Muslim world.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem Facts
2. Define that Term!
3. Arabic Solutions
4. Complete the Timeline
5. The Prophets
6. Al-Aqsa Compound
7. Jerusalem Quarters
8. Keen Eye
9. Virtual Tour
10. Conflict Alert!
11. Collage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque?

Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most important Islamic sites and holds significant religious and historical value. It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third holiest site in Islam, following Mecca and Medina. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad, during his Night Journey, ascended to the heavens from Al-Aqsa Mosque. It is also mentioned in the Quran as the “farthest mosque.” Additionally, the mosque complex includes the Dome of the Rock, an iconic architectural masterpiece.

When was Al-Aqsa Mosque constructed?

Al-Aqsa Mosque was initially constructed in the early 8th century CE. It was built on the site of a smaller mosque that had been constructed in the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. Over the centuries, it has undergone various renovations and expansions.

Is Al-Aqsa Mosque open to non-Muslims?

Yes, Al-Aqsa Mosque is open to non-Muslims, but with certain restrictions. The mosque complex covers a large area that includes the open courtyard and the Dome of the Rock. While non-Muslims are permitted to visit the complex, access to the prayer halls inside the mosque is generally restricted to Muslims. There are specific visiting hours for non-Muslims, and it is advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators for the most up-to-date information and any specific requirements.

Has Al-Aqsa Mosque faced any historical challenges?

Yes, throughout its history, Al-Aqsa Mosque has faced various challenges. The site has been subject to conflicts and disputes due to its significance to multiple religious and political groups. Over the centuries, it has witnessed periods of control under different empires and rulers, including Muslims, Crusaders, and Ottoman Turks. In recent times, the mosque and its surroundings have been at the center of political and religious tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, leading to occasional outbreaks of violence.

How does Al-Aqsa Mosque relate to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Al-Aqsa Mosque is closely tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as it holds immense religious and symbolic significance for both Muslims and Jews. The complex is situated in East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. The status of Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, is a contentious issue in the conflict. The competing claims and differing access rights to the site have often been a source of tension, leading to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. Resolving the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its status remains a significant challenge in the pursuit of peace in the region.

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