When Masjid Al Aqsa was built? Did you know Masjid Al-Aqsa dates back to Prophet Adam? From Caliph Umar’s restoration to surviving the Crusades, its history stands the test of time. Today, over 3 million Muslims visit annually (Pew Research, 2021). Why does it remain so meaningful? Join us as we explore 1,400 years of faith, resilience, and the lasting impact of this sacred place.
When Masjid Al Aqsa was built? A Simple, Complete History Every Muslim Should Know
Masjid Al-Aqsa is not just a mosque. It’s one of the earliest places of worship on Earth. Located in Jerusalem, it holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims and is tied to the lives of many prophets. This short timeline gives you clear answers if you’re asking when Masjid Al Aqsa was built.
1. The First Foundations
- Built by Prophet Adam, 40 years after the Kaaba.
وَعَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ قَالَ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَيُّ مَسْجِدٍ وُضِعَ فِي الْأَرْضِ أَوَّلُ؟ قَالَ: «الْمَسْجِدُ الْحَرَامُ» قَالَ: قُلْتُ: ثُمَّ أَيْ؟ قَالَ: «ثُمَّ الْمَسْجِدُ الْأَقْصَى» . قُلْتُ: كَمْ بَيْنَهُمَا؟ قَالَ: «أَرْبَعُونَ عَامًا ثُمَّ الْأَرْضُ لَكَ مَسْجِدٌ فَحَيْثُمَا أَدْرَكَتْكَ الصَّلَاةُ فصل»
Abu Dharr said that he asked God’s Messenger which mosque was set up first on the earth and was told that it was the sacred mosque. He asked which came next and was told that it was the Aqsa mosque. He asked how long a space of time separated their building, and the Prophet told him it was forty years, adding, “Then the earth is a mosque for you, so pray wherever you are at the time of prayer.”
- The second mosque ever built on Earth, this is directly inferred from the Hadith above.
- Linked to the beginning of monotheistic worship
2. Rebuilt by the Prophets
- Prophet Ibrahim rebuilt it with his son Ishaq (Tafsir al-Tabari).
- Yaqub continued using it for prayer.
- Prophet Dawud began full construction in Jerusalem.
- Prophet Sulayman completed the mosque and made it a significant place of worship.
3. Key Historical Milestones
- 586 BCE: Babylonians destroyed the site.
- 70 CE: Romans destroyed it again.
- 637 CE: Caliph Umar restored it after entering Jerusalem.
- Late 600s CE: Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik began major work.
- 705 CE: Al-Walid I completed the mosque structure
- 746 & 1033 CE: Earthquakes damaged large parts.
- 758–780 CE: Abbasid caliphs rebuilt and expanded it.
- 1099 CE: Crusaders seized it and used it as a church.
- 1187 CE: Salahuddin Ayyubi reclaimed and restored it.
- Ottoman Period: The mosque was preserved for centuries.
- 1917: British forces took control of Jerusalem.
- 1967: Israel still controls access to East Jerusalem, which it captured in 1967.
4. Religious Importance
- First Qibla before the direction changed to the Kaaba
Quran 2:144
“We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qibla with which you will be pleased…”
- Site of the Isra and Mi’raj journey of Prophet Muhammad Quran, Surah Al-Isra 17:1
“Exalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muhammad] by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa…”
- One of the three holiest mosques in Islam
Do not undertake a journey to visit any mosque but three: this mosque of mine (in Madinah), Masjid al-Haram (in Makkah), and Masjid Al-Aqsa.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1189
Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1397
5. What It Means Today
- A place for prayer and peace
- A sign of faith and strength
- A symbol that survived war, earthquakes, and occupation
- A mosque that still welcomes millions every year
Masjid Al-Aqsa is more than a building, not just part of Islamic history; It’s part of who you are. It is part of Islamic belief, shaped by the hands of prophets and defended through every era.
Its stones carry the memory of prophets.
Halls still echo with prayer.
Its story lives on.
Keep learning, keep remembering, and keep connected.
A Brief History of Masjid Al-Aqsa A Timeline of Faith, Worship, and Resilience
Jerusalem’s Old City is home to Masjid Al-Aqsa. After the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and the Kaaba in Mecca, it is the third-holiest place in Islam.
A Brief History of Masjid Al-Aqsa traces its origins back to the earliest days of humanity.
Its story begins with Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), who, according to Islamic tradition, was the first to establish it as a place of worship. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) later rebuilt it.
Many prophets—Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), and Sulayman (Solomon) (peace be upon them)—prayed there.
Before the Kaaba in Mecca, the first qibla for Muslims was Masjid Al-Aqsa.. It also witnessed the Isra and Mi’raj—the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—a key event in Islamic belief.
From the Early Muslim Era
- 637 CE: Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab constructed a modest wooden prayer house on the site following the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.
- Abd al-Malik, the Umayyad Caliph, started building the Dome of the Rock in 691 CE.
- 705 CE: Caliph Al-Walid I completed the Al-Aqsa Mosque as a larger congregational space for worship.
Earthquakes and Restorations
- 746 CE: An earthquake caused heavy damage. Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur ordered repairs in 758 CE.
- 1033 CE: Another earthquake destroyed the mosque. Fatimid Caliph Al-Zahir rebuilt it, shaping much of what we see today.
Under Crusader Rule and Islamic Revival
- 1099 CE: Crusaders seized Jerusalem and used Al-Aqsa as a palace and military base.
- 1187 CE: Salahuddin Ayyubi (Saladin) recaptured Jerusalem and returned the mosque to Muslim worship.
Ottoman Period and Modern Challenges
- The Ottomans preserved and maintained the mosque as a key Islamic landmark.
- 1969: Salahuddin’s famous minbar was destroyed by fire. Restoration followed, but tensions around the site increased due to political conflict.
Today
Masjid Al-Aqsa remains more than a building. It serves as a hub for spiritual strength, remembrance, and prayer. Despite destruction, invasions, and disputes, it continues to be a sacred place for Muslims worldwide.
It stands as a reminder of Islamic history, deep faith, and the resilience of a people committed to their place of worship through centuries of change.
This legacy makes Masjid Al-Aqsa not just a historical site but a living part of Muslim identity.
What makes Masjid Al-Aqsa important in Islam?
Masjid Al-Aqsa isn’t just a mosque. It’s a living piece of Islamic history, faith, and identity. Here’s why it’s so special to Muslims and what makes Masjid Al-Aqsa important in Islam?
1. Third Holiest Site
After Makkah and Madinah, it’s Islam’s most sacred place. Praying here feels like standing where prophets once stood.
2. First Direction of Prayer
For 13 years, Muslims faced Al-Aqsa during prayers. Later, the qibla shifted to the Kaaba, but its sacredness stayed (Quran 2:144).
3. Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey
The Prophet (PBUH) traveled here from Makkah overnight (Isra), and then ascended to heaven (Mi’raj). A l-Aqsa is linked to the essence of Islam by this miracle (Quran 17:1).
4. Home of Prophets
Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Dawud, Sulayman, and Isa (peace be upon them) all prayed here. Walking its grounds feels like walking with them.
5. Survival Through Struggles
- Earthquakes: Rebuilt after quakes in 746 CE and 1033 CE.
- Crusades: Taken by Crusaders in 1099 CE, reclaimed by Salahuddin in 1187 CE.
- Modern Fires: A 1969 blaze destroyed its historic pulpit, but Muslims restored it.
6. Symbol of Resilience
Under Israeli control since 1967, access is limited. Yet, it remains a rallying cry for justice and unity among Muslims.
7. Shared Heritage
While deeply Islamic, Al-Aqsa sits in Jerusalem—a city cherished by Jews and Christians too. Its story reminds us that faith can bridge divides.
Why It Still Moves Us:
- Its walls whisper stories of prophets, conquests, and unbroken faith.
- Defending Al-Aqsa isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting a piece of every Muslim’s soul.
Masjid Al-Aqsa isn’t just stones and arches. What makes Masjid Al-Aqsa important in Islam? It’s the heartbeat of Islam—a place where history, prayer, and hope collide.
Summary
Now that you know when Masjid Al Aqsa was built , what will you do with this knowledge? Don’t let the story end here. Share these truths with someone who may not know them, reflect on their meaning, and stay connected to your faith.
Start your journey at Rahiq academy Their support helps many like you take the next step. Stay curious, stay grounded, and let your learning grow every day. Because the more you know, the more you carry forward. So, what will you pass on today?
FAQ’s
Q: What is the story behind the Al-Aqsa Mosque?
A: The story behind Al-Aqsa Mosque involves Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Isra), where he was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, as mentioned in Quran 17:1.
Q: Why is Masjid Al-Aqsa so special?
A: Masjid Al-Aqsa is significant in Islam as the site of Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and the first qibla before the Kaaba, symbolizing deep spiritual importance.
Q: What does the Quran say about Masjid Al-Aqsa?
A: The Quran mentions Masjid Al-Aqsa in Surah Al-Isra (17:1), emphasizing its significance during Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj), with blessed surroundings and divine signs revealed. This establishes Al-Aqsa’s spiritual significance and its connection to a pivotal event in Islamic history.
Q: Which prophet first built Masjid Al-Aqsa?
A: Some scholars believe Prophet Adam (AS) first built Masjid Al-Aqsa, while others assert Prophet Ibrahim (AS) rebuilt it. Both views are respected in Islamic tradition.
