Al-Aqsa Mosque: Significance and Contentions

April 8, 2023

Recently, a raid by Israeli police on Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque sparked an intense reaction from Palestinians across the occupied West Bank and the wider Arab and Muslim world. The incident underscores the sensitivity and significance of the Al-Aqsa mosque, a flashpoint for deadly violence over matters of sovereignty and religion in Jerusalem.

Location of the Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Al-Aqsa mosque sits at the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City on a hill that is named by Jews as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and by Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. The site is a compound that overlooks the Western Wall, a sacred place of prayer for Jews.

Significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims

Al-Aqsa mosque is considered by Muslims as the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The compound of Al-Aqsa mosque hosts two Muslim holy places: the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Qibli Mosque, which was built in the 8th century AD. The compound holds great religious significance for Muslims, and any perceived threats or encroachments on it trigger strong reactions from the Muslim world.

Importance of Temple Mount for Jews

The Temple Mount is the most sacred site for Jews, who believe that biblical King Solomon built the first temple there 3,000 years ago. The second temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. However, the Temple Mount is also a contested site, with both Jews and Muslims laying claim to it.

Capture of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel

Al-Aqsa mosque site, along with the rest of East Jerusalem and adjoining parts of the West Bank came under the control of Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. This annexation has been a significant point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians viewing it as a violation of their sovereignty and aspirations for statehood.

The “Status Quo” Arrangement

Under the “status quo” arrangement governing the area surrounding the Al-Aqsa mosque, which Israel claims to maintain, non-Muslims can visit but only Muslims are allowed to worship in the mosque compound. However, Jewish visitors have increasingly prayed at the site in defiance of the rules, leading to protests and outbreaks of violence.

Jordan’s Custodianship of the Al-Aqsa Compound

Currently, Jordan, whose ruling Hashemite family has custodianship of the Muslim and Christian sites, appoints members of the Waqf institution to oversee the Al-Aqsa compound. Jordan’s custodianship provides some level of protection for the site and has helped to maintain the status quo arrangement.

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