🕌 Historical Link of Al Aqsa Mosque with Solomon’s Temple

Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem is a vast sacred precinct covering 144,000 square meters and containing multiple important landmarks, including the Qibli Mosque, Dome of the Rock, and Buraq Mosque. For Muslims, it is the third holiest site in Islam, associated with the Isra’ and Mi’raj and the first Qibla of prayer. In Jewish tradition, the same area is known as the Temple Mount, revered as the historical site of Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple.

1️⃣ The Layout of the Al-Aqsa Compound

The area is a vast sacred precinct, not just one mosque. It contains multiple landmarks:

• Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhrah)

Built in 691 CE by the Umayyad Caliph ‘Abd al-Malik, it is the shrine over the Sacred Rock (al-Sakhrah).

• In Jewish tradition: This is believed to be the Foundation Stone, associated with the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple, and the site where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son (Isaac).

• In Islamic tradition: It is from this Rock that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ascended during the Mi‘rāj (Night Journey).

• Qibli Mosque (Masjid Qibli)

Located at the southern end of the compound, with the grey dome. This is the main congregational mosque of Al-Aqsa where Friday prayers are held.

• It faces the qibla (Mecca), hence the name “Qibli.”

• Built originally by Caliph ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (638 CE) and rebuilt by later rulers.

• Buraq Mosque (Masjid al-Buraq) Situated near the western wall.

• It is traditionally linked to the spot where the Prophet ﷺ tied al-Buraq, the heavenly steed that carried him on the Night Journey (Isrā’).

• The Western Wall (Ha-Kotel), sacred in Judaism, is directly adjacent—believed to be a surviving wall of the Second Temple platform.

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2️⃣ Historical Link with Solomon’s Temple

The Al-Aqsa Compound stands on the same elevated plateau historically known as the Temple Mount in Jewish tradition:

• First Temple (Solomon’s Temple):

• Built in the 10th century BCE by King Solomon, according to the Bible (1 Kings 6–7).

• The Holy of Holies (Most Sacred Chamber) was believed to rest on the Foundation Stone (today under the Dome of the Rock).

• It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.

• Second Temple:

• Rebuilt in the late 6th century BCE and extensively renovated by Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE.

• Destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

• Only remnants of the supporting platform remain today—such as the Western Wall, adjacent to the Al-Buraq Mosque.

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3️⃣ Islamic Reinterpretation

When Islam rose in the 7th century, Muslims inherited and re-sanctified this ancient site:

• The Qur’an refers to it in Surah al-Isra’ (17:1) as al-Masjid al-Aqsa (The Farthest Mosque), the destination of the Prophet’s Night Journey from Mecca.

• For Muslims, the site symbolizes continuity with earlier prophets—Abraham, David, Solomon, Jesus—all of whom are believed to have prayed there.

• Thus, the Al-Aqsa Compound is seen not only as Islam’s third holiest sanctuary after Mecca and Medina but also as the fulfillment of the legacy of Solomon’s Temple in the Abrahamic tradition.

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✅ In summary:

• The Al-Aqsa Compound = the whole sacred precinct (not just one mosque).

• The Dome of the Rock marks the ancient heart of Solomon’s Temple (the Foundation Stone).

• The Qibli Mosque serves as the main congregational prayer hall.

• The Buraq Mosque connects with Muhammad’s Night Journey and stands near the Western Wall, itself a remnant of the Second Temple complex.

• This makes the entire area both the Islamic continuation of the Abrahamic sacred tradition and the historical site of the First and Second Temples.

— Azahari Hassim

Founder, The World of Abrahamic Theology