The Confusion Between Masjid al-Aqsa And Qubbat as-Sakhra

We note with regret that many Muslims do not have the proper knowledge about the al-Aqsa mosque and its exact area and buildings. Some believe that the Dome of the Rock is the al-Aqsa Mosque while others are mixed up over the term “al-Aqsa” mosque. Hence, we find it necessary to write on this issue to clear any doubts regarding the matter, insha’allah.

The following are the images of the Masjid al-Aqsa building:

The Masjid al-Aqsa building

The courtyard of Masjid al-Aqsa

And below are the images of the Dome of the Rock, or otherwise known as Qubbat as-Sakhra. Many Muslims have sadly confused this building with Masjid al-Aqsa:

The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat as-Sakhra)

The courtyard of Qubbat as-Sakhra

Conclusion

It is clear that the Masjid al-Aqsa building and the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat as-Sakhra) are two separate buildings, and not synonymous with each other as believed by some Muslims. However, both these buildings are within the enclosure of Haraam as-Shareef (The Noble Sanctuary) referred to as “the Furthest Mosque” in Sura’ al-Israa’, verse 1. Mujir ad-Din al-Hanbali, in his book Al-Uns Al-Jaleel writes that:

It is common among people that the Aqsa is the one located towards the Qibla, the mosque constructed in the foremost area including the pulpit and the big mihrab (prayer niche), while the truth is that the Aqsa is the name of all what is within its compound inside the walls the building in the foremost area and others, Dome of the Rock, corridors and others, the Aqsa means all that is within the walls.

And only God knows best.

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