In the name of Allah, Praise belongs to Allah, and Peace and Blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, and upon his family and noble companions.
And so:
Bayt al-Maqdis, also known as Masjid al-Aqsa compound, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It is not just a physical place but a symbol of faith, history, and divine blessings. Let us explore the virtues of Bayt al-Maqdis, and revive our love for this region.
The Significance of Bayt al-Maqdis in Islam
Bayt al-Maqdis, located in Jerusalem, is one of the three holiest mosques in Islam, alongside the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. (Notice I didnt say “third holiest”!) The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized its importance in several hadiths, highlighting its spiritual and historical significance.
One of the most well-known narrations comes from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه), where the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Do not set out on a journey except to three mosques: the Masjid al-Haram, this mosque of mine (in Medina), and the Masjid al-Aqsa.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith underscores the unique status of Bayt al-Maqdis as a destination for spiritual travel and worship.
The Spiritual Rewards of Praying in Bayt al-Maqdis
The rewards of praying in Bayt al-Maqdis are immense. According to a narration by Abdullah ibn Amr (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever comes to Bayt al-Maqdis with the intention of praying there, his sins will be forgiven as if he were born anew.”
Additionally, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the immense reward of praying in Bayt al-Maqdis. Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The prayer of a man in his house is equal to one prayer; his prayer in the mosque of the tribes is equal to twenty-five prayers; his prayer in the mosque where Friday prayers are held is equal to five hundred prayers; his prayer in the Masjid al-Aqsa is equal to fifty thousand prayers; his prayer in the Masjid al-Haram is equal to one hundred thousand prayers; and his prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is equal to fifty thousand prayers.” (Ibn Majah)
This narration highlights the unique status of Bayt al-Maqdis as a place of worship, where prayers are multiplied manifold in reward.
The Historical and Prophetic Connection
Bayt al-Maqdis is deeply intertwined with Islamic history. It was the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before the qibla was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca. It is also the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj), where he ascended to the heavens and received the commandment of the five daily prayers.
The Prophet (ﷺ) also spoke about the connection between Mecca, Medina, and Bayt al-Maqdis. Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The first mosque to be established on earth was the Masjid al-Haram, then the Masjid al-Aqsa, with forty years between them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Bayt al-Maqdis is not only a place of historical and spiritual significance but also a symbol of hope for Muslims. It is believed to be the site of the final gathering (Hashr) and resurrection (Nashr) on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (ﷺ) described it as the “land of gathering and resurrection,” further emphasizing its eternal importance.
The Angels and Bayt al-Maqdis
Islamic tradition also speaks of angels assigned to the three holy mosques. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Allah has appointed three angels for the three mosques: one for the Kaaba, one for my mosque (in Medina), and one for the Masjid al-Aqsa. The angel of the Masjid al-Aqsa calls out every day: ‘Whoever consumes haram (forbidden) wealth, their deeds will be invalidated.’”
This serves as a reminder of the sanctity of these places and the importance of purity in worship.
The Sacred Rock of Bayt al-Maqdis
The rock (Sakhrah) within Bayt al-Maqdis holds a special place in Islamic tradition. It is believed to be the site from which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) ascended to the heavens during the Isra and Mi’raj.
The rock is also associated with divine blessings. Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The rivers of Paradise—Sayhan, Jayhan, the Nile, and the Euphrates—all emerge from beneath the rock of Bayt al-Maqdis.”
This narration expands on the spiritual and physical significance of the rock, connecting it to the blessings of Paradise.
Bayt al-Maqdis and the Dajjal
One of the most profound virtues of Bayt al-Maqdis is its protection from the trials of the Dajjal (Antichrist). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned about the Dajjal, who will spread corruption and deception across the earth. However, Bayt al-Maqdis, along with the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, will be protected from his influence.
Abdullah ibn Amr (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The Dajjal will appear on the earth for forty days, reaching every place except four masjids: the Masjid al-Haram, the Masjid al-Nabawi, the Masjid al-Aqsa, and the Mount of Tur (Sinai).” (Ahmad)
This protection signifies the sanctity of Bayt al-Maqdis and its role as a refuge for believers during times of trial.
The Change of Qibla and Bayt al-Maqdis
Before the qibla (direction of prayer) was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca, Muslims prayed towards Bayt al-Maqdis. This period lasted for sixteen or seventeen months after the Hijra (migration to Medina). The change of qibla was a significant event, marking the distinct identity of the Muslim community.
Al-Bara’ ibn Azib (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
“We prayed with the Prophet (ﷺ) towards Bayt al-Maqdis for sixteen or seventeen months, then we were turned towards the Kaaba.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This historical shift highlights the deep connection between Bayt al-Maqdis and the early Muslim community, as well as its enduring significance in Islamic history.
The Isra and Mi’raj: The Night Journey to Bayt al-Maqdis
One of the most profound events in Islamic history is the Isra and Mi’raj, the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). During this miraculous journey, the Prophet (ﷺ) was taken from Mecca to Bayt al-Maqdis and then ascended through the heavens where he ascended to the heavens and received the commandment of the five daily prayers.
Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“I was brought the Buraq, a white animal, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. It placed its hoof at the farthest point it could see. I mounted it and was taken to Bayt al-Maqdis, where I tied it to the ring used by the prophets. I entered the mosque and prayed two rak’ahs there.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This journey underscores the sanctity of Bayt al-Maqdis as the place where the Prophet (ﷺ) led all the previous prophets in prayer before ascending to the heavens.
The Blessings of Residing in Bayt al-Maqdis
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to reside in or visit Bayt al-Maqdis.
Dhu al-Asabi’ (رضي الله عنه) asked the Prophet (ﷺ):
“O Messenger of Allah, if we are tested after you, what do you advise us?”
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
“Concern yourself with Bayt al-Maqdis. Perhaps Allah will grant you offspring who will go to it in the morning and return in the evening.”
This narration highlights the blessings of residing near Bayt al-Maqdis and the spiritual benefits of visiting it.
Conclusion
Bayt al-Maqdis is a beacon of faith, history, and divine mercy. Its virtues, as narrated in Islamic tradition, remind us of the profound connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. Whether through prayer, pilgrimage, or acts of charity, every effort to honor Bayt al-Maqdis brings us closer to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).
May Allah grant us the opportunity to visit and pray in this blessed mosque and may He protect and preserve it for generations to come. Ameen.
Sourced from:
Fadail Bayt Maqdis – Diya al-Din al-Maqdisi