Allah says: “…And whoever honors the symbols of Allah, it is certainly from the taqwa in the heart.” [Al-Hajj 22:32]
Those who honor that which Allah honors, then it’s a sign that they have taqwa & iman in their hearts. Among the many things regarding this is Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa. Today, I want to share with you 5 things that prove the honorable status of this masjid.
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1. Allah places barakah (excess in goodness) in it & its surroundings.
Allah says: “Exalted is He, who took His Servant (the Prophet ﷺ) by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed…” [Al-Isra 17:1]
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2. Performing 1 prayer in Masjid Al-Aqsa is equivalent to 250 prayers.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “1 prayer in my mosque is better than 4 prayers offered there (in Masjid Al-Aqsa)…” [Al-Hakim]
Since it’s established in authentic hadith that the reward of 1 prayer in the Prophet’s mosque is equivalent to 1,000 prayers prayed elsewhere, & he ﷺ said in this hadith that the reward of praying in Masjid Al-Aqsa is one-fourth of it, it therefore means that it’s equivalent to 250 prayers’ reward.
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3. The second masjid ever built on earth.
Abu Dhar, may Allah be pleased with him, asked: “O Allah’s Messenger, which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?” He (ﷺ) said: “Al-Masjid Al-Haram.” Abu Dhar asked: “Which was built next?” He (ﷺ) replied: “Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 3366]
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4. Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, wanted to be buried close to Masjid Al-Aqsa when he passed away.
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “(When the time of Prophet Musa’s death comes), he asked Allah that He bring him near the Sacred Land (i.e. Masjid Al-Aqsa) at a distance of a stone’s throw. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: If I was there, I would show you the grave of Musa by the road near the red sand hill.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1339]
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5. It’s one of the only 3 masaajid worthy to be travelled to.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “No (religious) journey is to be undertaken except to the 3 mosques: Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa & this mosque of mine (in Madinah).” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1189]
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May Allah make us believers who honor Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, ameen.
