Islam accords very high priority to maintain the sanctity of places of worship of God, be it the Christian churches, Jewish synagogues or the Muslim mosques, Allah says: “..Had not Allah repelled some people by the might of others, the monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which Allah's praise is daily celebrated, would have been utterly demolished. Allah will certainly help those who help His cause; most surely Allah is Mighty, Powerful.”(Qur’an;22:40 ), “Who is more unjust than he who prevents people from the House of worship of God, forbids the mention of His name therein, and strives to ruin them ? It is not proper for such people to enter in them except with His fear. For them there is disgrace in this world and grievous punishment in the Hereafter.”(Qur’an;2:114). Therefore the Muslims are under obligation to honour and protect the houses of worship of God to provide freedom of worship. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided protection to the monks of Mount Sinai . The 2nd Caliph Umar, at the fall of Jerusalem, while visiting the church, decline to offer by Christian clergy to offer prayer in the Church, as he did not want it to used as a precedence by the later Muslims to forcibly covert Churches in to mosques. The churches were protected even during Crusades during Muslim control, while there was wide spread destruction and killings on capture of Jerusalem
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“Verily, the first house (of worship) appointed for mankind was that in Baca (Mecca valley of Baca 22:26 )
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This article highlights the importance of most sacred Muslim sites , threats in historic perspective, universal responsibilities of Muslims towards mankind as inheritors of Qur’an and legacy of Abraham, to protect the holy sites at Makka, Medina Jerusalem
The most sacred sites in Islam are, the three (mosques) houses of worship of Allah; Ka’ba, Prophet's Mosque in Medina Jerusalem Medina Jerusalem
KA’BA :
The First House of Worship of One God-Allah:
Makka is the ancient centre of Islam, because it has the
honour to house Ka’ba, the first house of worship of Allah, it is also the City
of Peace Jerusalem Southern Arabia at the old trade route from Yemen Syria Mecca valley of Baca
Abraham and Ishmael Rebuilt Ka’ba:
Abraham Leaves
Ishmael: Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) on divine instructions, had to
leave his eldest son Ishmael (then an infant) along with his mother Hajira
(Hagar) at Makka (Arabia), an uninhabited desert at that time, the place where
the first House of Worship of Allah was built by Adam. She could have died of thirst in the desert around
Makka along with her young son; but they were miraculously saved by the water
which came out of earth, the spring is called
Zamzam, which still exists in the
form of a well. The place was inhabited due to water and its location on the
trade route, it became to be known as
Makka. Years later Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) revisited them, the
event of offering his son for sacrifice for the pleasure of God took place
here. Allah saved the son (Isma’il) and accepted the supreme gesture of Prophet
Abraham (peace be upon him). The rites are part of annual pilgrimage (Hajj)
since then.
Universal House of Worship for All Believers of Humanity: The site of Makka was
granted to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) (and his son Isma’il) for
building a place of worship that was to be pure (without idols, the worship to
Allah, the One True God) and universal for the humanity, without being reserved
(like Solomon's Temple of later times) to any one People or Race. Once Prophet
Abraham (peace be upon him) came, there was
no sign of original house of Allah, through the guidance of Allah he
found the original foundations and made a roofless structure, it is narrated in
Qur’an:" And Remember when We
showed Abraham the site of the Holy House (the Ka’bah) at Makka saying:
Associate not anything in worship with Me, and sanctify My House for those who
circumambulate it, and those who stand up for prayer, and those who bow and
submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allah, and make prostration in
prayer."(Qur’an;22:26 ). “Abraham said:
"My Lord make this (Makkah) a city of peace and provide its people with
plenty of food from fruits, those of them who believe in Allah and the Last
Day." He answered, "As for those who do not, I shall also provide for
them in this life, though in the Hereafter I shall drag them to the torture of
Hellfire and it is an evil destination indeed! And (remember) when Abraham and (his son) Ishmael were raising the
foundations of the House (the Ka'bah) at Makka,(saying),‘Our Lord! Accept (this
service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, all Knower."(Qur’an;2:126-127).
Black Stone: When raised to a certain height, Prophet Abraham
(Peace be upon him) ordered his son to choose a piece of stone to mark the main
corner point. While he was searching for it, the Archangel Gabriel appeared
with the stone from Heaven. Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon him) fixed at the
eastern corner. Narrated by Abdullah
ibn Abbas, Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The black
stone descended from Paradise whiter than milk, but the sins of
the descendants of Adam made it black. ":Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted
it, the latter saying that his is a hasan
sahih tradition. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2577,). Prophet Isma’il (peace be upon him) become the founder of
the new Arab nation and Makka developed
as a centre of Islamic faith and trade.
Abraham Revived Original Islam: Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him)
thus revived the original Islam (which is as old as mankind) in Arabia . While building the
sacred mosque, Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) dedicated the work to God in humble
supplication, addressing Him as the All-Hearing and the All-Knowing. He then
asked for a blessing on himself and his progeny generally, both the children of
his eldest-born Isma’il (Arabs) and his younger son Isaac (Jews), peace be upon
them.
Abraham Prayed for City of Peace & Unity In Islam: It is
narrated in Qur’an: “Remember Abraham said: "O my Lord! make this city one
of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols. O
our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without
cultivation by thy Sacred House; in order O our Lord that they may establish
regular prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them and
feed them with Fruits: so that they may give thanks. "O our Lord! truly
Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is
hidden from Allah whether on earth or in heaven. "Praise be to Allah who
hath granted unto me in old age Isma’il and Isaac: for truly my Lord is He the
Hearer of Prayer!”(Qur’an;14:35-39). In Abraham's prophetic mind was the secret
and open enmity or contempt which the Children of Israel were to have for the
Children of Isma'il (Arabs). He prays to Allah that they may be united in
Islam, as indeed they were, except a small remnant. According to Bible, Abraham
was 100 years old when Isaac was born (Genesis;21: 5); and as Isma'il was 13
years old when Abraham was 99. (Genesis;27:24-25), Isma'il was also a son of
his father's old age, having been born when Abraham was 86 years old. The
younger son's progeny developed the Faith of Israel and that of Christ; the
elder son's progeny perfected the more universal Faith of Islam, the Faith of
Abraham the Truthful. Abraham prayed for both branches of his family, having a
wider vision than some of the later Children of Israel. With prophetic vision
he foresaw that there will be corruption and backsliding in both branches of
his family: Makka will house idols, and Jerusalem 16:15 ), a city of abomination.
But the light of Islam will shine, and reclaim the lost people in both branches
and indeed in all the world.
Corruption of Faith of Abraham, Paganism in Arabia : Over the centuries the
descendents of Prophet a Ishmael (peace be upon him) corrupted the faith of
their forefathers and started associating partners with Him and worshiping many
gods. The pagans Arabs believed Allah as the Supreme Lord but considered the
idols as smaller gods or His partners,
totally against the strict monotheism preached by Prophet Abraham and
Isma’il (peace be upon them). By the
sixth century C.E, Ka’bah was filled with 360 idols, in the interior of Ka’ba
they placed statue of Prophet Isma’il and Abraham (peace be upon them) with the
ram beside him ready for sacrifice.
Destruction of Abraha’s Army of Elephants Attacking Ka’ba: In the known history Ka’ba has remained a
safe and peaceful House of worship of Allah, with no threat form any one.
However in 571 C.E just before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him), Abraha (The Greek historians write him as Abrames and the Syriac
historians as Abraham, Abrahah perhaps is an Abyssinian variant of Abraham, for
its Arabic version is Ibrahim) the Christian Abyssinian ruler of Yemen invaded
Makka with a large army, which also included some elephants, a strange beast
for Arabs. The pagan Arabs abandoned the city, took to hills for safety. Allah
sent swarms of birds carrying stones in their beaks and claws, showered on the
invading troops, which miraculously destroyed them. Whoever was hit would start
disintegrating. According to Muhammad bin Ishaq and Ikrimah, this was smallpox,
which was seen in Arabia for the first time in that year. Ibn Abbas says that
whoever was struck by a pebble, would start scratching his body resulting in
breaking of the skin and falling off of the flesh. In another tradition Ibn Abbas
says that the flesh and blood flowed like water and bones in the body became
visible. The same thing happened with Abrahah too. His flesh fell in pieces and
there arose bores on his body emitting pus and blood. In confusion they
withdrew and fled towards Yemen Arabia . This is how
miraculously Allah saved His House. The
incidence been referred in Qur’an: “Have you not considered how your Lord dealt
with the Army of the Elephant? Did He not make their treacherous plan a flop?
And send against them flocks of birds, which pelted them with stones of baked
clay, thus rendered them like the chewed-up chaff”(Qur’an;105:1-5).
Reconstruction of Ka’ba
after Abraham: The structure constructed by Abraham (peace
be upon him) also got buried in the sand with the passage of time. Later it was
reconstructed by the tribe of Amalqa and later by Jerhem. Once this structure
got damaged the Quraish (the tribe of Prophet, peace be upon him) reconstructed
it. Ka'bah as appears now is a cubed shaped structure having a black stone (Hajr-e-aswad) fixed in its eastern
corner. Literally, Ka'bah
(Ka’ba) in Arabic means a high place with respect and prestige, four cornered
structure, the word may also have some semblance with English ‘cube’,
Latin ‘cubus’ or Greek ‘kubos’. Ka'bah is also called ‘Bait-ul-Ateeq’
which means, the earliest, ancient, independent and liberating.
Ka’ba –The Direction of Worship, Qibla: The Muslims all over the
world face towards Ka'bah during
their prayers: Hence Ka'bah is
called the Qibla (direction of
prayer) for Muslims. It is important to note that though Muslims face
the Ka'bah during
prayers, but they do not worship the Ka'bah.
Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah. It is mentioned in Qur’an: “To Allah
belong the East and the West; whithersoever ye turn there is the (Wajh-"face") presence of
Allah. For Allah is All-Pervading All-Knowing.’(Qur’an;2:115). "We see the
turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens; now shall We turn thee to a
Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then
thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; wherever ye are turn your faces
in that direction. The people of the
book know well that that is the truth from their Lord nor is Allah unmindful of
what they do."(Qur’an;2:144). The Jews and Christians looked upon Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem
Site of Annual Pilgrimage
Hajj: Hajj means effort, the obligatory pilgrimage to Makka for every
Muslim if he is healthy and can financially afford. It is one of the five
pillars of Islam and takes place during the Islamic month of Zhul al-Hijjah. As
mentioned above Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), had initiated and
established the holy Pilgrimage. The degenerated descendants of Abraham and
Isma’il (Peace be upon them), defiled Allah’s Holy Ka'bah into a huge pantheon.
They injected pagan rites into the purely Islamic Pilgrimage laid down by
Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),
cleansed the Holy Ka'bah from its heathen idols and again restored the original
pilgrimage to its pristine purity.
Reconstruction of Ka’ba-Historic Perspective:
After Adam and Abraham, Ka’ba has been rebuilt many times,
when ever the building got damaged due to floods or calamities. Years before
the declaration of Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), Ka’ba got
damaged due to flash floods. Quraish, the custodian tribes did not have
sufficient funds so, the reconstruction did not include the entire foundation
of the Ka’ba as built by Prophet Abraham(peace be upon him). This was the first
time that Ka’ba acquired the cubical shape it has now unlike its earlier
rectangular shape. The portion of the
Ka’ba left out is called Hateem, it
is adjacent to the Ka’ba, enclosed by a low semi-circular wall. In the lifetime
of the Prophet there was no wall around the Ka'ba and the people used to pray
around the Ka'ba till 'Umar became the Caliph and he built the wall around it.
'Ubaidullah further said, "Its wall was low, so Ibn Az-Zubair built
it." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith: 5.171,
Narrated by Amr bin Dinar and
Ubaidullah bin Abi Yazid). 'Aisha said that the Prophet said to her,
"O Aisha! Were your nation not close to the pre-Islamic period of
Ignorance, I would have had the Ka'ba demolished and would have included in it
the portion which had been left, and would have made it at a level with the
ground and would have made two doors for it, one towards the east and the other
towards the west, and then by doing this it would have been built on the
foundations laid by Abraham." That was what urged Ibn-Az-Zubair to demolish
the Ka'ba. Jazz said, "I saw Ibn-Az-Zubair when he demolished and rebuilt
the Ka'ba (64-65 Hijrah) and included in it a portion of Al-Hijr (the unroofed
portion of Ka'ba which is at present in the form of a compound towards the
northwest of the Ka'ba). I saw the original foundations of Abraham which were
of stones resembling the humps of camels." So Jarir asked Yazid,
"Where was the place of those stones?" Jazz said, "I will just
now show it to you." So Jarir accompanied Yazid and entered Al-Hijr, and
Jazz pointed to a place and said, "Here it is." Jarir said, "It
appeared to me about six cubits from Al-Hijr or so." (Sahih Al-Bukhari
Hadith: 2.656, Narrated by Yazid bin Ruman from Urwa).
In 74 Hijra (693 C.E) Al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf al-Thaqafi, the
known tyrant of that time, with the approval of Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik bin
Marwan, demolished what Ibn az-Zubayr had added and restored the old structure
of the Quraish. When Abdul Malik bin Marwan came for Umra and heard the Hadith
that it was wish of Prophet for the Ka’ba to be constructed the way Abdullah
ibn az-Zubayr had built it, he regretted his actions. Abbasi Caliph Harun al
Rasheed wanted to rebuild the Ka’ba the way the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) wanted and the way Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr built it. Imam Malik advised
that frequent demolition and rebuilding of Ka’ba is against its sanctity
because it may become a practice by the Caliphs and Kings to demolish and
rebuild it. The Caliph refrained, thus the structure remains the same with
minor repairs here and there. After damage by the floods in 1040 Hijrah (1596
C.E) the reconstruction took place under the guidance of the Ottoman Caliph
Sultan Murad. The latest major
reconstruction of Ka’ba took place in 1996. The original stones including black
stone are part of the new construction, while other material has been replaced
including the ceiling , roof and its wood.
Sacred Rituals:
The ritual of circumambulation of Ka’bah (twaf)
is part of Umrah and Hajj. Kissing of the Black Stone (Hajr-e-aswad) or from distance pointing
by hand marks the start of each
circumambulation of Ka’bah to count seven circumambulations. The Black Stone
thus, serves to mark the start of each round. Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawud reported,
narrated by Abis bin Rabia that,
Umar, the second Caliph approached the
Black Stone and kissed it. Then he said: "I know that you are a mere stone
that can neither harm nor do any good. If I had not seen the Prophet (peace be
upon him) kissing you, I would have never kissed you."(Sahih Al-Bukhari
Hadith,2.667). Kissing of Black
Stone is a sign of respect like people kiss their holy scriptures (Bible,
Geeta) or children. In 929 C.E,
the Qarmatians (the most un-Islamic sect in Islam) sacked Makka and carried
away the Black Stone to Bahrain
Historic Background: Prophet's Mosque at Medina Medina
Role and Functions: Prophet’s Mosque served as
a model for all later mosques. A small part of the space was used to house Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family. The
home of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) and his family was a simple structure, made of raw brick, that
opened on an enclosed courtyard where people gathered to hear him, it was a special place for worship and
congregation. In 624 C.E when it was decreed (Qur’an;2:144) that prayer
be directed toward Mecca instead of Jerusalem; against the wall facing Mecca,
the Qiblah wall, was built as a roofed shelter supported by pillars made
of palm trunks. Against the opposite wall of the courtyard stood a roofed
gallery to shelter the companions of Prophet, the antecedent of the roofed
oratories in later mosques. In 628 C.E a minbar, or pulpit, was added
so that the Prophet (peace be upon him)
was raised above the crowd; besides leading prayer, the Prophet (peace be upon him) settled the disputes
from the minbar according to
Islamic Law. Later mosques also combined political, judicial, and
religious functions.
Place of Safety (Harem): It is
desire of every Muslim to offer prayer at this place. Medina
Resting Place of Prophet (peace be upon him) and Companions:
The
mosque, containing the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his close
companions, Abubakar Siddiq and Umar al Khattab. In 706C.E Caliph Al-Walid
I replaced the original brick buildings and created a new building of mosque on
the site. The original structure was
rebuilt and expanded many times to cater for ever rising numbers of
faithfuls. According to the
famous narrative, Nureddin, Zangi (1118-1174 C.E), the pious Muslim
ruler of Syria
AL-AQSA MOSQUE:
Al-Aqsa Mosque is located at Jerusalem Holy City Jerusalem
MUSLIM CLAIM & LEGACY:
The site of Al-Aqsa
Mosque in Jerusalem
The Second House of Worship of One God: According to the Islamic
traditions, the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque
is the second place built in the history of mankind for the worship of One God,
the first being at Makka. Muslims, as the true inheritors and followers of the
faith of Abraham believe in the prophets of Bible to be the prophets of Islam.
Hence as true inheritors of the legacy of Abraham, rightly claim the Al-Aqsa Mosque (also known as Temple of Jerusalem
Venue of Prophet
Ascend to Heaven : Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), ascended into heaven from this site, it is
mentioned in Qur’an: “Glorified be He Who carried His servant by night from the
Inviolable Place of Worship to the Far Distant Place of Worship (Al-Aqsa
Mosque) the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, that We might show him of Our
tokens! Lo! He, only He, is the Hearer, the Seer.”(Qur’an;17:1). Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is believed to have lead the prayer which was attended
by all the prophets at this blessed place. The building did not exist at that time, Majsid [mosque] is the place of prostration [sajood], worship, Muslims can pray at any clean poece of land.
Initial Direction of Prayer (Qibla) of Muslims: Islam declared the site
of Solomon Temple as a sacred house of worship and direction of prayer for
Muslims. This remained the direction of prayer for quite some time, however
later it was changed to Makka on direction of Allah: “..To Allah belong both
East and West;”(Qur’an;2:142). Hence it is one of three most holiest sites of
Islam other being Ka’ba and Mosque of the Prophet at Medina
HISTORY :
First Temple-Housed the Ark of the Covenant:
Al-Aqsa Mosque is located at the place called Mount Moriah Temple Mount Israel Ark Temple of Solomon Ark
In the time of prophet Samuel , Israel Israel Ark Ark Ark
The Ark Temple of Jerusalem Ark Canaan , the Promised Land, the Ark Shiloh , but from time to time it
was carried into battle by the Israelites. After King David's capture of Jerusalem Ark Temple of Solomon Israel Mount Moriah Temple Mount First Temple Ark Temple of Jerusalem Israel First Temple Ark
Destruction
by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia-586 B.C: The Temple
suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia, who removed the Temple
treasures in 604 BC and 597 BC and totally destroyed the building in 587/586
B.C. This destruction and the deportations of Jews to Babylonia in
586 B.C and 582 B.C were seen as fulfillments of prophecy and, therefore,
strengthened Judaic religious beliefs and awakened the hope for the
reestablishment of the independent Jewish state.
Rebuilt 515 BC : Cyrus II, of Persia Babylonia , in 538 BC allowed
exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem Temple Second Temple Temple Judea ’s foreign rulers.
Desecrated - 167 BC: Antiochus
IV Epiphanes,
however, plundered it in 169 BC and desecrated it in 167 BC by commanding that
sacrifices be made to Zeus on an altar built for him. This final act touched
off the Hasmonean revolt, during which Judas Maccabaeus cleansed and
rededicated the Temple
Rebuilding of the Second Temple Temple Temple Second Temple Judea . Construction began in
20 BC and lasted for 46 years. The area of the Temple Mount Herodian Temple
Christian Control of Jerusalem: During 7th century,
Jerusalem was a sacred place to both
Jews and Christians, but the Christians had the upper hand after conversion of
Emperor Constantine to Christianity (306-337 C.E), as it was included in the
Byzantine Empire, which maintained a Patriarch at Jerusalem.
Israel’s
Control : Israel captured Jerusalem
in 1967. Israel Jerusalem Palestine Herodian Temple Second Temples
Jewish Defiance
The Jews were rebellious in implementation of Divine
commandments, it is mentioned in Bible: “And the LORD said unto Moses, I have
seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff necked people: (Exodus; 32:9)”,
“Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to
possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiff-necked people. Remember,
and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the
wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt 9:23 -24), “Remember thy
servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this
people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin”: (Deuteronomy; 9:27 ).
Allah says: “If they would have observed the Laws of Torah
and the Gospel and other Revelations which were sent to them from their God,
they would have certainly enjoyed abundance from above and from beneath. Though
there are some among them on the moderate course; but most of them do nothing
but evil”.(Qur’an;5:66). “Over shadowed
by ignominy are they wherever they may be, save (when they bind themselves
again) in a bond with God and a bond with men; for they have earned the burden
of God’s condemnation, and are over shadowed by humiliation: for all this (has
befallen them)” because they persisted in denying the truth of God’s message
and in slaying the prophets against all right: transgressing the bounds of what
is right”(Qur’an;3:112). Thus they had to suffer the Divine punishment in the
form of destruction of their temple, enslavement and dispersion. Allah says:
“However, if any one of you, after this, violates this covenant, he will indeed
go astray from the Right Way 5:18 ).
The divine punishment for
rebellion and disobedience is not restricted to the Jews only, Allah has been
punishing the rebellious people and replacing them with others, He says: “How many populations
that insolently opposed the command of their Lord and of His apostles did We
not then call to account to severe account? And We imposed on them an exemplary
Punishment. Then did they taste the evil result of their conduct and the End of
their conduct was Perdition.”(Qur’an;65:8-9),
“Your Lord is Self-Sufficient, Lord of Mercy. If He wants, He can
destroy you all and replace you with others as He pleases, just as He raised
you from the offspring of other people.”(Qur’an;6:133). There area lessons for
the Muslims in the Divine punishment accorded the Children of Israel for
violating Covenant with Allah.
...................................................................
Historic Mosques around Makkah
Makkah and the surrounding holy places are home of historical mosques that have played great roles in the history of Islam as some of them have witnessed historical events. Some of them also still carry the old shapes of construction, others enjoyed rehabilitation during different times of history.
Al-Taneem, located some seven kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah is where the mother of Muslims, Aiyesha bint Abi Bakr, wife of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), started Umrah (minor Haj) in the year 29 H. and where pilgrims coming to Makkah who missed a Miqat (where to dress (Ihram — Haj white cloth-) could make a new start for Haj or Umrah. With a total area of 84000 sq.m. and a cost of SR100 million, it was rehabilitated in the era of late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
In the eastern parts of Makkah, Al-Juaranah Mosque, located at 24 kilometers, is the spot for Makkah residents to start Haj, dressing of Ihram. Al-Juranah is also the site of giving away by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) of the gains Muslims have captured from their enemy at Hunain battle.
Al-Baiaa (allegiance pledge) mosque is located in the eastern part of Makkah. It still carries its historical shape, and is believed to be built during the era of Caliph Abu-Jaafar Al-Mansour in the year 144H. In the spot where the mosque is existing, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has concluded an allegiance pledge with 12 leaders of two great Arabian tribes: Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj who came from Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.
Al-Jinn mosque is some 2000 meters north of the holy mosque. It is where a group of Jinn offered allegiance pledge to the prophet . It is also called Al-Haras (guard) mosque, rehabilited in 1421 H.
Heading toward Jeddah from Makkah along the old expressway, you will find Al-Hudaybiyah mosque, now called Al-Shamsi, 24 km from the holy Haram of Makkah. Still the old mosque, built of black stone and mud, is surviving. However, a new one was built in the adjacent.
Al-Kheef mosque in Mina valley on the way pilgrims take to the mount of Arafat, the peak of Haj, is where the prophet performed the dawn prayer while ascending to Arafat. It was rehabilitated at a cost of SR90 million in 1407H.
Al-Mashaer Al-Haram mosque, located in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims stay the night after coming back from Arafat, was expanded and rebuilt during the Saudi era at a cost of five million Saudi Riyal.
Namirah mosque which was first built by Prophet Muhammad when he came to ascend mount Arafat to address Muslims on that day is located in the middle of Arafat valley. The now one of the most equipped among the ancient mosques, Namirah mosque was expanded and rebuilt in the Saudi era on an area of 110,000 sq.m. Since several years ago during the current Saudi era, the worshipping of noon and afternoon joint prayer is transmitted from Namirah mosque live to the world via satellite every year.
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/makkah-historical-mosques-enjoy-great-respect-muslims
Makkah and the surrounding holy places are home of historical mosques that have played great roles in the history of Islam as some of them have witnessed historical events. Some of them also still carry the old shapes of construction, others enjoyed rehabilitation during different times of history.
Al-Taneem, located some seven kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah is where the mother of Muslims, Aiyesha bint Abi Bakr, wife of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), started Umrah (minor Haj) in the year 29 H. and where pilgrims coming to Makkah who missed a Miqat (where to dress (Ihram — Haj white cloth-) could make a new start for Haj or Umrah. With a total area of 84000 sq.m. and a cost of SR100 million, it was rehabilitated in the era of late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
In the eastern parts of Makkah, Al-Juaranah Mosque, located at 24 kilometers, is the spot for Makkah residents to start Haj, dressing of Ihram. Al-Juranah is also the site of giving away by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) of the gains Muslims have captured from their enemy at Hunain battle.
Al-Baiaa (allegiance pledge) mosque is located in the eastern part of Makkah. It still carries its historical shape, and is believed to be built during the era of Caliph Abu-Jaafar Al-Mansour in the year 144H. In the spot where the mosque is existing, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has concluded an allegiance pledge with 12 leaders of two great Arabian tribes: Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj who came from Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.
Al-Jinn mosque is some 2000 meters north of the holy mosque. It is where a group of Jinn offered allegiance pledge to the prophet . It is also called Al-Haras (guard) mosque, rehabilited in 1421 H.
Heading toward Jeddah from Makkah along the old expressway, you will find Al-Hudaybiyah mosque, now called Al-Shamsi, 24 km from the holy Haram of Makkah. Still the old mosque, built of black stone and mud, is surviving. However, a new one was built in the adjacent.
Al-Kheef mosque in Mina valley on the way pilgrims take to the mount of Arafat, the peak of Haj, is where the prophet performed the dawn prayer while ascending to Arafat. It was rehabilitated at a cost of SR90 million in 1407H.
Al-Mashaer Al-Haram mosque, located in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims stay the night after coming back from Arafat, was expanded and rebuilt during the Saudi era at a cost of five million Saudi Riyal.
Namirah mosque which was first built by Prophet Muhammad when he came to ascend mount Arafat to address Muslims on that day is located in the middle of Arafat valley. The now one of the most equipped among the ancient mosques, Namirah mosque was expanded and rebuilt in the Saudi era on an area of 110,000 sq.m. Since several years ago during the current Saudi era, the worshipping of noon and afternoon joint prayer is transmitted from Namirah mosque live to the world via satellite every year.
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/makkah-historical-mosques-enjoy-great-respect-muslims
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BLIGATIONS OF MUSLIMS AS INHERITORS OF QUR’AN & LEGACY
OF ABRAHAM:
Though Judaism and Christianity claim their roots with
Abraham (peace be upon him), it is Islam alone, which can truly declare to be
the intact legacy of Abraham (peace be upon him). Allah says: “Abraham was not
a Jew, nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright man who had surrendered (to
Allah), and he was not of the idolaters.”(Qur’an;3:67), “Jews and Christians
say: "Be Jews or Christians, you shall then be rightly guided." (O
Muhammad), say: "By no means! We follow the faith of Abraham, the upright
one; and he joined not gods with Allah.”(Qur’an;2:135), “(O Muhammad),Say: Lo!
As for me, my Lord has guided me unto a straight path, a right religion (din
qiyam), the community of Abraham, the upright, who was no idolater.”(Qur’an;6:161),
“Say: Allah speaks truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He
was not of the idolaters.”(Qur’an;3:95). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him ),
the last messenger of God, said: “..you (Muslims) are an heir to the heritage of
Abraham”(Sunan Abu Dawood;770). Allah appointed Muslims to inherit Qur’an,
Allah says: “We have given the Book (Qur’an) as an inheritance to those of Our
servants (Muslims) whom We have chosen, among them there are some who wrong their own souls, some follow a middle course and some, by
Allah's leave, excel in good deeds;
which is the supreme virtue.”(Qur’an;35:32).
As inheritors of legacy of Abraham and Qur’an, Muslims have
a great responsibility, towards mankind. Allah says: “We have made you
(Muslims) a moderate (wasat-justly balanced) community so that you may
be witness against the mankind and that your own Messenger may be witness
against you…”(Qur’an;2:143). The essence of Islam is to avoid all extravagances
and extremism on either side. It is a sober, practical balanced (wasat)
religion. When two persons dispute, they advance extravagant claims. A just
witness comes between them, and brings the light of reason to bear on them,
pruning all their selfish extravagances. So the mission of Islam is to curb,
for instance, the extreme formalism of the Mosaic law and the extreme
"other-worldliness" professed by Christianity. Similarly use of
violence is against the spirit of moderation. The witness must be unselfish,
equipped with first-hand knowledge, and ready to intervene in the cause of
justice. Such is the position claimed by Islam among rival systems. Similarly,
within Islam itself, the position of witness to whom disputants can appeal is
held by the last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hence the Muslims bear
great responsibility with in themselves and then to the mankind, Allah
says: “You (Muslims) are the best of peoples which has ever been raised for the
guidance of mankind. You enjoin good, forbid evil, and believe in
Allah.”(Qur’an;3:110). Qur’an advises patience in enjoining good and forbidding
the evil, because the persuasion and preaching requires patience, Luqman’s
(sage) advised his son: “O my son! Be constant in prayer (Salah), enjoin
good and forbid the evil. Endure with patience whatever befalls you, surely
this shows your determination in conducting the affairs.”(Qur’an;31:17). The
Muslims have to understand, practice and
preach the message of Qur’an to humanity. The Children of Israel were advised:
“Why do not the Rabbis and the doctors of laws forbid them from their (habit
of) uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed are their
works.”(Qur’an;5:63).
Islam being the Universal Religion (Din- way of life)
urges its adherents to realize their global responsibility towards guidance of
mankind, for Islam is just submission to the Will of Allah. This implies (1)
Faith, (2) doing right, being an example to others to do right, and having the
power to see that the right prevails, (3) avoiding wrong, being an example to others
to eschew wrong, and having the power to see that wrong and injustice are
defeated. Islam therefore lives, not for itself, but for the mankind as a
whole.
The Muslims have to put their own
house in order, they stop defiance of Commands of Allah and adhere to the
teachings of Islam, which provide complete way of life. The misguided militant
groups have to be tackled, who are posing threat not only to the world peace
but tarnishing the image of Islam, their genuine concerns are to be addressed
so that they are brought in to the folds of mainstream Islam. Muslims have to
catch up in the race for the development in scientific, other fields and
acquiring knowledge, (their lost treasure of the past) so that they can
undertake the great responsibilities with dignity and honor to guide the
humanity towards peace and stability. The houses of worship of Allah should
become symbol of unity. The Jewish and the history of mankind is full of
examples where by the rebellious and defiant nations were punished by Allah. This
is sufficient to serve as a warning for the Muslims.
In 571 C.E, Allah
protected Ka’ba by miraculously destroying the army of Abraha, (the Christian
Abyssinian ruler of Yemen Temple
of Solomon Ark
CONCLUSION :
The three most sacred places of Islam are the places of
worship of Allah. Ka’ba is the first house of worship built by Adam and rebuilt
by Abraham the ancestor of Jews, Christians and Muslims. The two fundamentals
of Islam, the Hajj and daily worship
Salah, are directly linked with Ka’ba. This is the common point of convergence. The Al Aqsa mosque is again
related with the second house of worship of God, sacred place for Jews,
Christians and Muslims. The Prophet’s Mosque represents the house of worship of
God built by the Last messenger of God. There will be no messenger any more,
though numerous mosques will continue to be built but the honor granted to this
sacred mosque is unique. Al-Aqsa mosque is already under Israeli control, threatened
by the excavations carried out by Israeli government with the covert design to
rebuild the Temple Medina
The irresponsible
statements by the US US
As inheritors of legacy of Abraham
and Qur’an, it is the responsibility of Muslims to use all the means, resources and their lives in the
cause of Allah by protecting the holy mosques, the symbol of unity of the faith
and reverence. If they fail in this they should draw lessons from the history.
Allah punished the Children of Israel for defying His Commandments and not
fulfilling responsibilities and betraying Divine trust. Any threat to the Muslim holy
sites, will result in unimaginable consequences which no one can predict.
During the Gulf War, (1991) Pakistan Kingdom of Saudi Arabia US Islamabad
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