Brief History:

Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Saudi Arabia. It is located in the Haram district of Makkah and was built in 787 CE during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid. It was originally used as a royal residence and is still used as such today, albeit on a much reduced scale. The mosque is an important pilgrimage destination, particularly for Muslims from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries who visit the Haram. It is also one of the holiest sites in Islam and pilgrims who visit the mosque are believed to receive spiritual blessings from God. The mosque receives the faithful for Prayer every day, and many religious events are held there. Additionally, the mosque often hosts visiting scholars and devotional programs. It is one of the most famous mosque in Saudi-Arabia which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Saudi-Arabia is the oldest surviving masjid or mosque in the world and the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. It is located in the old city of Makkah, on Masjid al Haram (Grand Mosque) in the corner of the Haram Square. The mosque was built of stones and sand in the early seventh century by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. It was expanded to its present size during the reign of the Umayyads and Fatimids in the 10th and 11th centuries respectively and again in the 16th century by the Ottomans. The mosque is rectangular in shape and measures 42m (137 feet) in length and 30m (98 feet) in width. The walls are 13.7m (45 feet) high and constructed from umber-sandstone. The main entrance is dominated by two minarets of similar height on either side and decorated with arched doorways. Inside the mosque, there are two courtyards which are linked by a passage and surrounded by numerous hallways and four domes. The largest of these domes is the Qibla, or prayer direction and covers the area where worshippers gather to pray. The mosque has numerous small prayer chambers (maqsura) which can accommodate around 20 people each and a large main prayer hall (jama'a) which can accommodate around 300 people. The main prayer hall also contains a raised platform and a lectern from which the imam (or preacher) gives out sermons. The mosque is adorned with numerous wall-paintings, carved marble, and stunning calligraphic verses of the holy Quran in kufic script. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

Al-Aqsa Mosque is closed to non-Muslims and there are no visiting hours for the general public. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. The only way to visit this holy site is under special permission from one of the Islamic religious bodies controlling Al-Aqsa Mosque, usually given to specific scholars or religious figures. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the holiest sites in Islam, with thousands of Muslims making the pilgrimage to it each year. The mosque is believed to have been built by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE on the site of an earlier structure. It is said to have stood since at least the 4th century CE. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is open to the public during set times and visitors will need to dress appropriately. As well as the main prayer hall, visitors can explore the nearby historic sites including the Sacred Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque precinct. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is accessible by car or taxi, as well as by bus. The nearest airport is located at Taif, which is around 80 kilometers from the Al-Aqsa Mosque. beautiful masjid.