The Pakistani Spectator

The theme I am going to engage is of paramount importance. I therefore have tried to cover its vital aspects. As a matter of fact Islam is the Divine Code. This is the only original and legitimate ‘Monotheistic Religion’ of the absolutely one Allah Almighty for His Almighty entire creation; living beings and nonliving beings of the entire universe. Being so, the name, origination and all of the injunctions; mandatory or prohibitory of the Divine Religion are also Divine Oriented. And so the Islamic worship place; ‘Masjid’ (Mosque) is no exception to this Divine Rule. The Islamic term; ‘Masjid’ like all other basics of Islam have also been God Given. Unlikely the names of worship places of all other creeds, the name of Islamic worship place; ‘Masjid’ is not the brain child of human being but it has also been defined by Allah Almighty Himself. Conversely all other creeds are human oriented and synthetic hence their origination, terminology and all nitty-gritty are also either human oriented or copied distortedly from Islam. I have discussed this subject matter in my piece; ‘The Divine Code’ in detail. Here I have chosen the terms; ‘Masjid’- ‘Synagogue’ - and ‘Temple’ to go to its ancestry and find out the implication - therefore it will be necessary to bring forth first the authentic and admitted positions about all the three terms.

Masjid (Mosque):

As I said the word ‘Masjid’ has not been coined or contrived by any human being but likely so many other basic names, emblems and terms of the Religion of Islam e.g. ‘Allah’ - ‘Islam’ -‘Al Masjid Al Haram’ - ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ -‘Al Masjid An Nabawai’ (viz the Messenger Mosque) - ‘Muslim’ - ‘Ark Sakinah’ (viz Ark of Covenant also known as tabernacle in English) - ‘Salat’ - ‘Zakat’ - ‘Hajj’ - Ab-e- Zamzam - ‘Som’ - ‘Malikah’ (Angles) - ‘Rusul’- ‘Nabi’(Messengers) - ‘Al Kitab’ - ‘Qur’an’ - ‘Torah’ (Old Testament) - ‘Injil’ (Gospel or New testament) - and ‘Zabur’ (Psalms), which has been proclaimed by Allah Almighty Himself, the term of ‘Masjid’ has also been conferred by Allah Almighty. Therefore all the terms which have been defined by Allah Almighty are not translatable in the words of other languages in true sense of the word and therefore instead of switching such terms, must be used as such in original as for as possible. Many Muslim scholars and translators have translated the Qur’anic term, ‘Masjid’ with the alien word; temple, which is a bona fide but a big blunder to say the least!!!

Masjid, synagogue and temple might be interparallel like two or three parallel entities - but parallel entities shall not necessarily be always synonymous. Similarly is the case of these three terms; Masjid - synagogue and temple. In fact they are as worlds-apart as Islam, Judaism and Christianity have been inter se from the day one. Or say the terms; Masjid, synagogue and temple are as diametrically opposed as Muslims, Jews and Christians have been in terms of their beliefs from the out set. Originally the term Masjid has been derived as such from the Holy Qur’an with a Divine Definition. So much so that according to all word class dictionaries and encyclopedias the English word, ‘Mosque’ has also been derived from the origin of Arabic term; Masjid from the root sajda. So the word English ‘Mosque’ is though adaptation of Masjid - nevertheless it also denotes exclusively a Muslims worship place; Masjid - and by no stretch of imagination it stands for a synagogue, temple church and monastery.

Besides the Allah Almighty’s invoking place; Masjid, all other worship places; synagogue, temple of judaism, christianity and other worship places of other creeds; are as extraterrestrial as Judaism, Christianity and other creeds have been strange to Allah Almighty’s Religion; Islam. The earlier Divine Books; Torah, Injil and Zabur have been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and the Muslims believe in them in their original substance as they were bestowed by Allah Almighty - but still Muslims do not believe in them in the available substance of Old testament, New Testament and Psalms simply because they have been besmirched subsequently by the respective priests. So they may be corresponding to the Muslims Holy Qur’an but they are not synonymous to the Holy Qur’an. Similarly synagogue, temple of Judaism and Christianity respectively and other worship places of other creeds are corresponding to Muslims worship place; Masjid - but they are not synonymous to Masjid. For other worship places are not but corruption of Muslims worship place; Masjid. Just like the altered form of their respective creeds. Muslims Bani Israel were of course Allah’s chosen people up to the time they were Muslims but when they abandoned Islam and converted to other creeds they become the corrupted Bani Israel, by and large known as Jews, Christians etc. and given that they become Allah’s most discarded people. If Islamic praying; Salat cannot be equated to the un-Islamic worshiping of Jews, Christians and others then how Islamic worship place; Masjid can be equated to synagogue or temple etc??? Faith might be a common word for belief but it is a relative term as well. So when it is used in respect of Muslims, Jews and Christians they become completely contrasting towards each other. And thus faith of Jews, Christians and others can’t be equated to faith of Muslim. Similarly Jews and Christians worshiping can’t be equated to Muslims praying - Jews and Christians fasting can’t be equated to Muslims fasting and so forth. And in the same way Masjid, synagogue and temple have come out from different authorities with different intentions and hence they lead to different destinies with different intentions. Similar is the case of Islam vis-a-vis other faiths. The counterfeit currency may run in a market in parallel  to the genuine currency but this does not give validity to the fake one or this does not mean that the fake currency become equal to the genuine one.

In fact ‘Masjid’ (Mosque) is a Qur’anic terms, one of the kind the status of which has been prescribed by Allah Almighty Himself in the Holy Qur’an:

“and that “Masajid (mosques) belong to Allah, so do not invoke anyone with Him” [72:18]***

“O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every masjid (mosque): eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters”.  [Al A’raf 7:31]***

Say: “My Lord hath commanded justice; and that ye set your whole selves (to Him) at every masjid and call upon Him, making your devotion sincere as in His sight: such as He created you in the beginning, so shall ye return.”  [Al A’raf 7:29] ***

“It is not for mushriks (those who join gods with Allah), to visit or maintain the Masajid-allah (mosques of Allah) while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: In Fire shall they dwell”.  (At Taubah 9.17)***

“Only those are worthy of being the guardians and servants of ‘Masajid-Allah’, who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and establish Salat and pay Zakat dues, and fear none but Allah: for these alone are expected to follow the Right Way.” (At Taubah 9.18)***

“And who could be a greater wrongdoer than the one who forbids the mention of Allah’s name in masajidallah and strives for their ruin? Such people do not deserve to enter therein (masajidallah), and, if they enter at all, they should do so in fear; *114 for there is ignominy for them in this world and an awful punishment in the Hereafter.” (2:114)

It is also worth mentioning that a so called masjid (mosque), which was founded in the guise of mosque by a disbeliever, who was a notorious christian cohen, Abu Amir in the pursuance of a drastic collusion with a group of hypocrites in ‘Medinah the Radiant’ was declared as ‘masjid darar’ (viz detrimental mosque) by Allah Al Almighty and His Rusul (Messenger) Mohammad PBUH, and which was therefore demolished by the order of Prophet Mohammad PBUH, while the Prophet Mohammad PBUH was returning from the victory of War of Tabuk in 631 AC.*** For the same was not qualifying the Divine Definition of the term Masjid. As it is a historical fact that the same had been started off for harming the Muslims Movement, has been referred to by Allah Almighty as under:

“And there are those who put up a masjid darar (detrimental mosque) by way of mischief and infidelity - to disunite the Believers - and in preparation for one who warred against Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; But Allah doth declare that they are certainly liars”. (At Taubah 9.107)***

“Never stand thou forth therein (detrimental mosque). There is a masjid (mosque) whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure”². (At Taubah 9.108)

And thus given this designation, Masjid (Mosque) is believed in by Muslims as Allah’s House (House of God Almighty). And being so, Masjid (Mosque) is an exclusive worship place of Muslims alone wherein Allah Almighty alone can be call upon, prayed and invoked exclusively by Muslims in accordance with the injunctions of Islam, has been laid down in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.

Owing to this status of Masjid (Mosque) it has been defined as under in all the world class dictionaries:

Masjid (Mosque):

In American Heritage: “Arabic, from sajada, to worship” -“A Muslim house of worship”.

In Oxford Dictionary: “Arab. “Arab. masjid lit. ‘place of prostration’.] 1 A Muslim place of worship. LME. 2 The body of Muslims collectively; the Islamic authorities”.

In WordWeb dictionary: (Islam) a Muslim place of worship”

In Wikipedia encyclopedia: “A mosque is a place of worship for followers of the Islamic faith. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid”

Thus a Masjid (Mosque) means a place which is dedicated only and only for the worshiping and invoking of one Allah Almighty exclusively by Muslims and exclusively in accordance with His Almighty Injunctions and which shall be maintained by righteous and observant Muslims, who shall be wearing their available beautiful apparels - and Masjid (Mosque) shall not be accessible to nonbelievers.

I also reproduce a borrowed and abridged gist from the world fame Encyclopedia Britannica about Masjid:

“Arabic MASJID a house or open area of prayer in Islam. The Arabic word masjid means “a place of prostration” to God, and the same word is used in Persian, Urdu, and Turkish. The first mosques were modeled on the place of worship of the Prophet Muhammad–the courtyard of his house at Medina -and were simply plots of ground marked out as sacred. A mosque has essentially an open space, generally roofed over, containing a Mihrab and a minbar, with a minaret sometimes attached to it. The Mihrab, a semicircular niche reserved for the imam to lead the prayer, points to the Qiblah, i.e., the direction of Mecca. The minbar, a seat at the top of steps placed at the right of the Mihrab, is used by the preacher (khatib) as a pulpit.The mosque differs from a church in many respects. Ceremonies, services connected with marriages and births and the rites that are an integral function of many churches, such as confession, penitence, and confirmation, do not exist there. In Mosques prayer is performed by bows and prostrations, with no chairs or seats of any kind. Men stand in rows, barefooted, behind the imam and follow his movements. Rich and poor, prominent and ordinary people, all stand and bow together in the same rows. Women may participate in the prayers, but they must occupy a separate space or chamber in the mosque. No statues, ritual objects, or pictures are used in the mosque; the only decorations permitted are inscriptions of Qur’anic verses and the names of Muhammad and his Companions. Professional chanters (qurra’) may chant the Qur’an according to rigidly prescribed systems taught in special schools, but no music or singing is allowed.”

Synagogue:

Now so far synagogue is concerned it finds no mention in the original Holy Bibles at all, for they were also Divine Books from the same source of Al Kitab:

“To Thee (O Mohammad) we sent the Scripture (viz Qur’an) in truth, confirming the ‘Al Kitaab’ (viz The Divine Scripture)  that came before it, and guarding it In safety - so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way…..” (Surah Al Ma’idah:5-48)

What is meant by synagogue I reproduce the exact words from word class dictionaries and Encyclopedias:

American Heritage dictionary: It   has been derived from Latin word: synagoga and from Greek word: sunagoge (which means meeting, assembly) and has been defined as; “A building or place of meeting for worship and religious instruction in the Jewish faith”.

According to Oxford Dictionary also the word synagogue has been derived from Latin word: synagoga and from Greek word: sunagoge (which means meeting, assembly) and has been defined as under: “The regular assembly of Jews for religious observance and instruction; public Jewish worship”.

In Wikipedia encyclopedia: “A synagogue (from , transliterated synagogē, “assembly”; beit knesset, “house of assembly”; or beit tefila, “house of prayer”, shul; , esnoga) is a Jewish house of worship.”

In Babylon French-English dictionary: “n. synagogue, congregation of Jews for the purpose of worship and religious instruction; building for Jewish worship and religious instruction.”

In WordWeb dictionary: (Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation.”

In Easton’s Bible dictionary: “In after years, when the Jews were dispersed abroad, wherever they went they erected synagogues and kept up the stated services of worship” (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 17:1; 17:17; 18:4).

In Concise English-Arabic Dictionary:

“اسْم: كَنِيس. كَنِيسَة . كَنِيسُ اليَهُود   ”

A borrowed gist from Encyclopedia Britannica:

“In Judaism, a community house of worship that serves as a place not only for liturgical services but also for assembly and study. Its traditional functions are reflected in three Hebrew synonyms for synagogue: bet ha-tefilla (”house of prayer”), bet ha-kneset (”house of assembly”), and bet ha-midrash (”house of study”). The term synagogue is of Greek origin (synagein, “to bring together”). The Yiddish word shul (from German Schule, “school”) is also used to refer to the synagogue, and in modern times, the word temple is common among some Reform and Conservative congregations”.

.Temple:

Like synagogue there is no mention of temple or church in the original Gospel for the same aforementioned reasons. So let go to the root of ‘Temple’. All world class dictionaries including the above mentioned are unanimous in holding that the word temple has been derived from Latin word: ‘templum’ and has been defined as under respectively:

According to American Heritage dictionary - “A building dedicated to religious ceremonies or worship”.

According to Oxford Dictionary - “A building regarded primarily as the dwelling-place, or devoted to the worship, of a god or gods”. From both of these it infers a building dedicated to any religion ceremonies or worship.

According Encarta encyclopedia: Synagogue (Greek, “place of assembly”; Hebrew bet knesset), in Judaism, an assembly house for communal prayer, study, and meeting; a central communal institution. Central and Eastern European Jews called their synagogues shuls (Yiddish, “schools”); Reform Jews sometimes use the word temple.

In WordWeb: (Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation”.

In Concise English-Arabic Dictionary: اسْم: هيكل. كنيسَة . صُدْغ

What is the Jews idea about their worship places; I replicate the exact words as under:        “Throughout this site, we have used the word “synagogue” to refer to the Jewish equivalent of a church.  There are actually several different terms for a Jewish house of worship, and you can tell a lot about people by the terms they use. The Orthodox and Chasidim typically use the word “shul”, which is Yiddish.  The Hebrew term for it is “beit kenesset” which means house of assembly. Conservative Jews usually use the word “synagogue”, which comes from a Greek word meaning place of assembly (it is related to the word “synod”). Reform Jews use the word “temple”, because they consider every one of their meeting places to be equivalent to the Temple”.

(http://www.mechon-mamre.org/jewfaq/shul.htm#Temple)

And now a borrowed gist about the temple & church from Encyclopedia Britannica:

“Most of Christianity calls its places of worship churches; many religions use temple, a word derived in English from the Latin word for time, because of the importance to the Romans of the proper time of sacrifices. The name synagogue, which is from the Greek for a place of assembly, is often interchangeable with Jewish temple. Mosque is roughly an Arabic equivalent for temple”.

Given this basic divergence in letter & spirit, Masjid is exclusive Muslim place of worship prescribed by Allah Almighty and as such it is part of Muslim faith. On the other hand Jews have like the name of their synthetic creed name, Judaism invented synagogue for their religious rituals - and Christians have like the synthetic name of their creed, Christianity done so about temple or church for their religious rituals - and as such the built in difference in the worship places of Muslims, Jews and Christians actually reflect the built in divergence in their faiths. So beyond doubt in the first instance all the three Holiest Islamic Shrine were built and refurbished by Prophets as ‘Masajid-allah’ (Mosques of Allah) for Muslims intending to invoke Allah Almighty exclusively, in full accordance with the Injunctions of Divine Religion; Islam commanded by Allah Almighty. So comparing the definitions of all the three worship places; Masjid, ‘synagogue’ and ‘temple’ there is real inconsistency among them. ‘Masjid’ is a place which has been named as such by Allah Almighty for invoking Him Almighty alone - and which shall be in Muslims exclusive possession and Muslims shall be in charge for its maintenance. Whereas the latter two terms; ‘synagogue’ and ‘temple’ are the brainchild of human beings - and wherein any god pertaining to any creed may be invoked.

So all this denotes that synagogues, temples and churches are supposed the buildings wherein Jews and/or Christians religious ceremonies and worship can be done by Jews and Christians according to their manmade creeds respectively. Similarly there have been ‘Hindu temples’ - ‘Mormon temples’ - ‘Jain temples’ - ‘Buddhist temples’- Sikh temples and so forth - but there have never been Muslims Synagogue or Muslim Temple!!! And being so obviously Muslims can’t use the building of synagogues, temples and churches for invoking Allah Almighty exclusively. And likewise nonbelievers can’t get in to, let alone invoking their gods or images in Masajid-Allah (Mosques of Allah).

According to the Holy Qur’an the prototype of ‘Torah’ which is also known as Old Testament was bestowed unto Prophet Moses PBUH. And the Injil also known as New Testament or Gospel was bestowed unto Prophet Isa ibn Maryam PBUT by Allah Almighty. But these Divine Books like the earliest ones were subsequently corrupted particularly by Jew Rabbis. Jewish clergy which is also known as rabbis implies those Jewish scholars among the Bani-Israel who by denying denied the message of Prophets Moses and Harun PBUT in their lifetime or thereafter denied Islam and became Jews. Similarly Christians Priests by denying the message of Prophet Isa ibn Maryam PBUT in his life time or thereafter he was exalted by Allah Almighty denied Islam and they also corrupted the Divine Books. Allah Almighty therefore referred to the Jews & Christians as under:

“Lo! We did reveal the Torah (to Moses) - wherein was guidance and a light by which the prophets judged, who were Muslims who then turned Jews”. (Surah: Al-Maeda: 5-44)

“say (o Mohammad): o ye who become Jews! If ye claim that ye are favored of Allah apart from (all) mankind, then long for death if ye are truthful”. (Surah: Al-Jumu’ah 62-6).

“when Isa became conscious of their disbelief, he cried who will be my helpers (viz mun ansar’ee?) - in the cause of Allah (viz illallah) the disciples said; we will be Allah’s helpers (ansar-ullah) - we believe in Allah and bear thou witness that we are Muslims” (Surah Al-e-Imran: 3-52).

In another place in the same Surah, Allah Almighty says;

“and he (your prophet) commanded you not that ye should take the angels and the prophets for lords. Would he (your prophet) command you to disbelieve after ye had become Muslims?” (Surah Al-e-Imran: 3-80).

As in Islam ‘Masjid’ is believed as ‘House of Allah’ and due to this fact the original name of ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ was also ‘Bethel’ viz ‘House of Allah.’ In the Holy Bibles - ‘Beth’ means House & ‘El’ is from Eloh-im in Hebrew. And this is why that both the Prophets Kings; Da’ud and Suleiman PBUT termed the Al Masjid Al Aqsa as Bethel viz House of God. For instance:

“And Da’ud (David) commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God”. (Chronicles 1 - 22.2)

“Then Suleiman (Solomon) began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father; for which provision had been made in the Place of David, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.” (Chronicles 2 - 3.1)

In the Holy Bibles ‘Bethel’ viz ‘House of Allah’ has been mentioned throughout to denote Al Masjid Al Aqsa - and nowhere by any other name; synagogue, temple or church.

‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ or ‘Al-Haram Al-Sharif’ or ‘Al Beit-al-Maqdis’ or ‘The House of Allah’:

Now keeping this yardstick let discover the Divine granted status and name of  ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ or ‘Al-Haram Al-Sharif’ or ‘Al Beit-al-Maqdis’ (Bet ha-Miqdash in Hebrew) or ‘the House of Allah’ in Al Qods Al Sharif.

Figure No: 1(Al Haram Al Sharif - Al Qods)

First of all a little bit about Al Masjid Al Aqsa. At the core of ‘Al Qods Al Sharif’ (in Arabic) also known as Yerusalem (in Hebrew) - Jerusalem (in English)  there is a ‘Noble Sanctuary’ - which is also mentioned as ‘Al-Haram Al-Sharif’ or ‘Al Beit-al-Maqdis’ or ‘Old City’ or ‘Walled  City’ - and which entirely is a Masjid (Mosque), and none other than Allah Almighty has awarded this status thereto Himself. Allah Almighty therefore says:

“Glory be to Him Who had His servant travel by night from ‘al Masjid al Haram’ to ‘al Masjid-al-Aqsa’ whose surroundings We have blessed, so We might show him some of Our signs! He is the Alert, the Observant!” (Surah Bani Israel - 17.1)

According to some sources this Holy and Sacred ‘Al Haram Al Sharif’ was originated by Prophet King, Da’ud (viz Prophet Kind David) PBUH and completed by his son, the Prophet King, Suleiman PBUH round about 3000 year ago. These two magnificent Prophets Kings; David and Solomon PBUT alone are mentioned no fewer than 33 times in the Holy Qur’an. The Holy ‘Al-Aqsa’ is situated in the southernmost part and the much celebrated ‘Dome of the Rock’ viz Qubbat As-Sakhrah is located somewhat in the centre towards the northern part of the Noble Sanctuary’ viz  the ‘Al Bet al Maqdis’ or ‘Al-Haram Al-Sharif’. Whereas on the left of the ‘Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque’ lies the famous ‘Holy Omar Mosque’ which was built by the second rightly guided Caliph, Omar, namely, ‘Farooq the Great’ (may Allah be pleased with him) in 637 AC after conquering the Jerusalem. The entire area is regarded as a Mosque and comprises nearly one sixth of the walled city of Jerusalem viz Al-Qods Al Sharif. It is also worth mentioning that the ‘ Sacred Rock’ in the Dome viz As-Sakhrah, was fixed inside the Dome viz Qubbat by the  5th Caliph, Abd al-Malik during building the ‘Dome of Rock’ - for that is the ‘Rock’ which is believed by Muslims to be the spot from which Prophet Muhammad PBUH ascended through the heavens to Allah Almighty while accompanied by the archangel, Gabriel during his ‘Miraculous Night Journey’ referred to in Surah Bani Israel 17:1).

Figure No: 2 (Al Haram Al Sharif - Al Qods)

Whereas according to some renowned Muslim historians, the above mentioned third Holiest Muslim Shrine was constructed in the first instance by Prophet Ibrahim PBUH after 40 years of constructing the First Holiest Shrine; ‘Al Masjid Al Haram’ in ‘Mecca the Blessed’. Nay, Allah Almighty referring to the blessedness in Holy Qur’an of the Holy Land round about 600 years before the era of Prophet Moses PBUH and round about 1000 years before the era of Prophets Kings; Suleiman and Da’ud PBUT, which is tallied to the era of Father of Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim which is round about 4000 years ago. So Allah Almighty says:

“We said, O Fire! Be thou cool and safety for Ibrahim. Then they planned against him, but We made them the greater losers. But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lot (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations” (Al-Anbiya 21: 69-71)

Allah Almighty also referring to the command of the Prophet Moses to Bani Israel in the Holy Qur’an:

“O my people! Go into the holy land which Allah hath ordained for you. Turn not in flight, for surely ye turn back as losers.” (Al-Maida 5. 21)

“And unto Solomon (We subdued) the wind in its raging. It set by his command toward the land which We had blessed. And of everything We are Aware.” (Al Anbiyaa 21.81)

Similarly, in the following Holy Verses Allah Almighty while referring to the Prophet Isa’s mother, Maryam and Prophet Zachariah PBUT presence in the ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ in Al Qods, He Almighty uses the word, “al mihrab” - which has always been an integral part of Masjid (Mosques) and not of synagogue or temple or church. Though here the used word, ‘mihrab’ denotes a special mihrab which is designed specifically but collaterally for the stay of those pious persons who used to worship Allah Almighty continuously for some extra ordinary periods, also known as I’tikaf. And above all, Prophet Isa’s mother, Maryam and Prophet Zachariah, who is believed as the husband of her maternal aunt, were not supposed to invoke Allah Almighty in synagogue or temple or church instead of Masjid viz Al Masjid Al Aqsa . Allah Almighty says:

“And her (Maryam) Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the al mihrab where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence cometh unto thee this (food)? She answered: It is from Allah. Allah giveth without stint to whom He will”. (Al Imr’an 3.037)

“While he was standing in prayer in al mihrab, the angels called unto him: “Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) (Al Imr’an 3.39)

And there are holy sayings as well which indicates that Al Masjid Al Aqsa was built by Prophet Ibrahim PBUT:

“Abu Dhar (RA) is quoted as saying, I asked the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Which was the first Mosque on earth? ‘The Sacred Mosque (in Mecca),’ he said. And then which, I asked? ‘Masjid al Aqsa,’ he said. I further asked, what was the time span between the two? ‘Forty years,’ the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied”. (Muslim)

“Abu Huraira [ra] is quoted as saying that Allah’s Messenger [peace be upon him] said, ‘set out deliberately on a journey only to three mosques: this mosque of mine (in Medina), the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) and the Masjid al Aqsa (in Jerusalem) (Bukhari & Muslim).

Nay, “Abu Darda [ra] is quoted as saying that the Prophet of Allah Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, a prayer in the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) is worth 100, 000 prayers, a prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is worth 1, 000 and a prayer in Jerusalem is worth 500 prayers more than in an any other mosque”. (Al Bukhari Sharif)

As part of another tradition, on the authority of Maimunah bint Sa’d, it is reported that, upon being asked about a person “who is unable to travel to the Masjid al Aqsa, the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] said, ‘He should make a gift of oil to be burnt therein, for He who gives a gift to the Masjid al Aqsa will be like one who has prayed Salaah therein.” (Ahmad & Ibn Majah)

“Abu Umamah al Bahili [ra] reports that the Prophet of Allah [peace be upon him] as saying, ‘A group of my ummah will remain firm upon the truth, dominating their enemies. They will not be harmed by their opponents until Allah’s decree arrives upon them. They asked, ‘Oh Prophet of Allah [peace be upon him]! Where will they be?’ He replied, ‘In Bait al Maqdis and its surrounding areas”. (Ahmad)

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said “No journey should be made except to 3 Masajid; al-Masjid al-Haram, al-Masjid ar-Rasool (SAW) and Masjid Al-Aqsa.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The renowned research scholars, Kais Al-Kalby with Emad J. Meerza state as under in the ‘History of Al Aqsa Mosque’:

“In Jerusalem, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) also established a place of worship. This place would later be known as The House Of Allah (God), or Beteyel. Forty years after the construction of Kaba, Prophet Ibrahim expanded this place of worship. Isaac (PBUH), Prophet Ibrahim’s younger son, worshipped in Beteyel, but also made journeys to Kabah in Makkah for Hajj (Pilgrimage) as did Ibrahim (PBUH). Jacob (PBUH) the second son of Isaac (PBUH), extended Beteyel as a place of worship for all the believers of Allah (God) in the region. The natives of the land, the Palestinians, believers in the teachings of the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), also worshipped in Beteyel or The House Of Allah (God). Ibrahim (PBUH), referred to Beteyel as “Masjid Al-Aqsa”, which means the farthest place of worship of the One God. Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), was stating that Masjid Al-Aqsa was the farthest place of worship west of Kabah in Makkah”.

Nay, “Prophet David (PBUH) established his kingdom in part of Palestine, and controlled Jerusalem. His son, Prophet Soloman (King Solomon) (PBUH) rebuilt Masjid Al-Aqsa with the help of the natives, and next to it he built the ruler’s palace”. And,

And further, “In the eleventh century, the European Christians in the crusades, tortured the Jews and the Muslims. They burned the Jews in their Temples and they burned the Muslims in Masjid Al-Aqsa. The European Christians even tortured the Arab Christians and destroyed their churches. The Jews fled to Indulis (Spain), to receive protection under Islamic rule or a Muslim society. In 1189 A.D., the leader of the Muslim army, Salah Aldeen Al-Ayobi expelled the European Christians from Jerusalem, and returned Jerusalem to Islamic rule. The Christian, Jews, and Muslims lived in harmony under Islamic rule”.

In the holy bibles too it is mentioned that after having been settled in the ‘Land of Canaan’ (Al Qods) the Prophet Ibrahim PBUH pitched his tent towards east of the ‘House of God’ (Bethel):

“And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Zion the east; and he builded there an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis-12.8).*** This implies the sojourn of Prophet Ibrahim’s over there in Al Qods and the presence of Al Masjid Al Aqsa or the Holy Site thereof in that era.

There are other traditions also, according to which both the Sacred Masjids; Al Masjid Al Haram in ‘Mecca the Blessed’ and ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ in ‘Al Qods’ were originally built by Prophet Adam PBUH - and that Prophet Ibrahim PBUH subsequently renovated the Al Masjid Al Aqsa as he PBUH reconstructed the first Holiest Islamic Shrine; Al Masjid Ala Haram in ‘Mecca the Blessed’ after having been discovered the aforementioned Holy Sites. ***

Figure No: 3 (Al Haram Al Sharif - Al Qods)

Figure No: 4 (Al Haram Al Sharif - Al Qods)

Figure No: 4 (Al Haram Al Sharif - Al Qods)

Anyhow, according to history, Prophet King Da’ud PBUH discovered the Holy Site of the third Islamic Holiest Shrine, and his son, Prophet King Suleiman PBUH constructed or reconstructed the same after his succession.

Figure No: 5 (Al Masjid Al Aqsa - Al Qods)

Figure No: 6 (The Dome of Rock - Al Qods)

At present and since long this third Islamic Holiest Shrine, ‘Al Masjid-Al Aqsa’ or ‘Al Haram Al Sharif’ enclosing over 35 acres, comprising of ‘Al Mosque Al Aqsa’ - ‘Al Mosque Al Omar’ - ‘Al Qubbat Al Sakhrah’ (viz Dome of Rock) - ‘Al Qubbat Al Silsilah’ (viz Dome of Chain) - David wells - Al Boraq Wall - Islamic Museum - fountains - gardens - buildings - domes – Church of Sepulture - and many other numerous sacred entities is known as Al-Haram Al-Shareef or Al Beit Al Maqdis. The wall that has enclosed the aforementioned Al Haram Al Shareef was also constructed by Muslim Ottoman Emperor Suleiman I during his reign in 1538 AC or according to some sources in 1542 AC.***

Muslims must not forget that besides al-Bayt al-Maqdis, there exist other areas in the Holy Land (Palestine) - which are of greatest importance to us, foremost after Jerusalem is the city of Al-Khalil (Hebron). This surrounds the Haram al-Ibrahimi al-Khalil (The Sanctuary of Abraham, the Friend). In the Mosque is the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) mausoleum, along with the mausoleums of his wife Sara (RA), his son Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) (AS) and his wife Rifqah (Rachel) (RA), Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (AS) and Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) (AS). According to some reviewers there are over 100 Prophets PBUT buried in Palestine.

According to Al Qur’an Al Sharif and other authentic historical sources as well David & Solomon were both Prophets and Kings consigned by God Almighty. Allah Almighty therefore reveals in His Holy Qur’an:

“So they routed them by Allah’s leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord of Kindness to (His) creatures”. (Surah Al Baqarah 2.251)

“And thy Lord is Best Aware of all who are in the heavens and the earth. And we preferred some of the prophets above others, and unto David We gave the Psalms”.

(Surah Bani Israel - 17.55)

“And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob; each of them We guided; and Noah did We guide aforetime; and of his seed (We guided) David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the good”. (Surah Al An’am 6.084)

“Lo! We inspire thee as We inspired Noah and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and as We imparted unto David the Psalms” (Surah An-Nisa – 4.163)

“And We verily gave knowledge unto David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah, Who hath preferred us above many of His believing slaves! (Surah An -Naml -27.15)

“And Solomon was David’s heir. And he said: O mankind! Lo! we have been taught the language of birds, and have been given (abundance) of all things. This surely is evident favour”. (Surah An -Naml -27.16)

“We gave David bounty from Ourself: “O mountains, echo back [God's praises] along with him! And [so may] the birds.” We softened iron for him: “Make suits of armor and measure out the links in mail, and act honorably; I am Observant of anything you do.” (Surah Saba - 34.10)

“Solomon possessed the wind; it would blow for a month in one direction and then blow back for [another] month. We melted down a font of brass for him. There were some sprites who worked in front of him by his Lord’s permission, and We let any of them who wavered from Our command taste torment from the Blaze. They worked away for him just as he wished on shrines and images, bowls as big as troughs and built-in cauldrons: “Give thanks, O House of David!” Yet few of My servants are grateful”. (Surah Saba 34.12-13)

“Those of the Children of Israel who went astray were cursed by the tongue of David, and of Jesus, son of Mary. That was because they rebelled and used to transgress”. (Surah Al Ma’idah - 5.78)

Since there is no room for doubt in the Prophethood of Prophets David & Solomon PBUT - hence no question of doubt can come up that Prophets David & Solomon PBUT would have discovered or built anything else than a Masjid (Mosque), viz ‘House of Allah’ on the Holy Site. Similarly is the case, in case, Prophet Ibrahim PBUH is supposed the first builder of al Masjid Al Aqsa. For, the Prophets PBUT could not be supposed to build cloister, church, synagogue or temple.

And this is why that Allah Almighty has used the term “masjid” (mosque) for the third Islamic Holiest Shrine, as ‘al Masjid-al Aqsa’ in the Holy Qur’an instead of cloister, church, synagogue or ‘the first temple’ as are being concocted by Jews and Christians. Occasionally this ‘Islamic Holy Shrine’ has been in occupation of Jews & Christians - and by abusing their occupation they have added some Jewish and Christians so called holy entities in the Al Haram Al Sharif but this does  not connote that the ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ converted into their cloister, church, synagogue or temple. As ‘Al -Masjid-Al-Haram’ at ‘Mecca the blessed’ had also been in the occupation of nonbelievers intermittently but that did not denote the conversion of the ‘Al -Masjid-Al-Haram’ into cloister, church, synagogue.

Now I pose two questions in regard Al Masjid Al Aqsa (viz Al Haram Al Shareef), which are of vital importance; firstly, what was the name of ‘Al Aqsa Mosque’ (the farthest Mosque) viz ‘Al Beit Al Maqdis’ when Jerusalem was occupied in result of a very stern military action by Romans and the same was destroyed by the Roman Commander, Titus, son of the then Roman Emperor, namely Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus in 70 AC? And secondly, what was the name of the ‘Al Aqsa Mosque’ (the farthest Mosque) viz ‘Al Beit Al Maqdis’ when the same was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylonia in 587 BC? The most reliable answer is available in the most & only reliable book, Al Qur’an Al Sharif. Allah Almighty says in Holy Qur’an:

“Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from ‘al-Masjid al-Haram’ to ‘al-Masjid al-Aqsa’ whose precincts We did bless, - in order that We might show him some of Our Signs - for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things).” (Surah Bani Israel - 17:1)

Whereas in holy verse No: 7 of the same Surah, Allah Almighty covers the two times destruction of this Holy place of worship at too different occasions; for second time in 70 AD - and for the first time in 587 BC in the words:

إِنْ أَحْسَنتُمْ أَحْسَنتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ وَإِنْ أَسَأْتُمْ فَلَهَا فَإِذَا جَاء وَعْدُ الآخِرَةِ لِيَسُوؤُواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَلِيَدْخُلُواْ الْمَسْجِدَ كَمَا دَخَلُوهُ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَلِيُتَبِّرُواْ مَا عَلَوْاْ تَتْبِيراً

Now its transliteration for convenience of those who can’t read Arabic:

“In ahsantum ahsantum li-anfusikum wa-in asa/tum falaha fa-itha jaa waAAdu al-akhirati liyasoo-oo wujoohakum waliyadkhuloo almasjida kama dakhaloohu awwala marratin waliyutabbiroo ma AAalaw tatbeeran”.

And now the translations of this Holy Verse by two eminent scholars, Maulana Shakir & Maulana Muhsin Khan are as under respectively:

“If you do good, you will do good for your own souls, and if you do evil, it shall be for them. So when the second promise came (We raised another people) that they may bring you to grief and that they may enter al Masjid (viz Mosque) as they entered it the first time, and that they might destroy whatever they gained ascendancy over with utter destruction.”

(And We said): “If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil (you do it) against yourselves.” Then, when the second promise came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to make your faces sorrowful and to enter al Masjid viz Mosque (of Jerusalem) as they had entered it before, and to destroy with utter destruction all that fell in their hands.” (Surah Bani Israel - 17.7)

Here in both of these Holy Verses, Allah Almighty has disclosed the fact that status of the Holy Place of worship referred to above was that of a Masjid (Mosque) right from the outset, irrespective of the intermittent desecration of the third Holiest Shrines aforementioned, by the nonbelievers. Gold can’t be altered by putting it in the dirt. Putting idols or other man made sacred objects in such Holy Places in odd times of Muslims does not mean alteration of their original rank. The ‘Al -Masjid-Al-Haram’ was also cleaned out of idols by Prophet Mohammad PBUH immediately after the victorious entry in the ‘Mecca the Blessed’. Since the world three Islamic Holiest Shrines are ‘Divine’ and ‘Islamic’ in origin and in the current time hence they are sacred legacy of Islam & Prophets PBUT of Islam and are thus patrimony of Muslims, for in Islam the faithful descendants alone inherit the legacy. And being so Muslims are the only legal & legitimate successor & heir in re thereof. Allah Almighty says:

“Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith”. [3:68]

“Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright Muslim, and he joined not gods with Allah. [3:67]

“And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly”? (002.130)

“Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: “What will ye worship after me?” They said: “We shall worship Thy Allah and the Allah of thy fathers, of Abraham, Isma’il and Isaac,- the one (True) Allah. And we are Muslims to Him.” [2:133]

And being so those among the Bani Israel who became Jews or are Jews have no kinship or inheritance whatsoever in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Suleiman, Prophet Da’ud or other Prophets PBUT. In fact all the Prophets PBUT of Allah Almighty have been Prophets of Islam and being so Muslims alone are their legitimate inheritors. If the two notorious Hashemite, Abu Jahl - Abu Lahab and the likes do not have any right whatsoever in the first two Muslims Holiest Shrines; Al Masjid Al Haram and Al Masjid An-Nabawi then how the ‘Abu Jahl’ - ‘Abu Lahab’ and the like of Bani Israel aver for rights in the third Muslims Holiest Shrine; Al Masjid Al Aqsa??? Before the Allah Almighty faith of Islam overcomes the blood relation. In Islam blood is not thicker than the water of ‘belief’ - rather faith is thicker than anything else. The blood relationship could not save the disbeliever Azar, father of the Father of Prophets; Prophet Ibrahim’s PBUH - wife of Prophet Noh - wife of Prophet Lot PBUT - and quit conversely the belief in Islam saved the believer wife of disbeliever Pharaoh.***

Allah Almighty has said about the magnificent Prophet Ibrahim PBUH and his nonbeliever father, Azar viz Terah as under:

“And Abraham prayed for his father’s forgiveness only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allah, he dissociated himself from him: for Abraham was most tender-hearted, forbearing.” [9:114]

“And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee an Imam to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams) from my offspring!” He answered: “But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.” [2:124]

“And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; “Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam.” [2:132]

“Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma’il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah. Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah. but Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!” [2:140]

“Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).” [2:136]

And about the wives of Prophets Noah & Lot PBUT and Pharaoh Allah Almighty says:

“Allah has set forth for the unbelievers the parable of the wives of Noah and Lot. They were wedded to two of Our righteous servants, but each acted treacherously with her husband, and their husbands could be of no avail to them against Allah. The two of them were told: “Enter the Fire with all the others who enter it.” (66:10)

“Allah has set forth for the believers the parable of Pharaoh’s wife. She prayed: “My Lord, build for me a house with You in Paradise and deliver me from Pharaoh and his misdeeds;  and deliver me from the iniquitous people.” (66:11)

Nay, Allah Almighty has used the word ‘Al Masjid’ for the worship place of Muslims – and so far the worship places of other than Muslims are concerned, Allah Almighty has used the word sawamiAAun (viz cloisters), for the worship places of the Monks, biyaAAun, (viz churches) for the worship place of Christians and salawatun, (viz synagogues) for the worship place of Jews - and the name; Masajidu has only been given to Muslims worship places - wherein Allah Almighty alone is invoked by Muslims exclusively. As we see in Holy Qur’an:

“Those who have been wronged are permitted to fight (back) - since God is Able to support them - any who have been driven from their homes unjustly, merely because they say: “Our Lord is God (Alone).” If it were not because God repels some men by means of others, cloisters, churches, synagogues and mosques where God’s name is mentioned frequently would have been demolished.” (Surah Al Hajj - 22.40)

At-Tabut Sakinah – Ark of Covenent:

Now a little bit about At-Tabut Sakinah. It has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as under:

“Their Prophet further informed them, “The sign of his (Talut viz Saul) appointment as king from Allah is that during his reign you will get back the Ark, wherein are the means of your peace of mind from your Lord, and which contains the sacred relics of the family of Moses and Aaron, and which is being borne at this time by the angels. Herein is a great Sign for you, if you are true believers.” (2.248)

Renowned and celebrated Muslim Muffsir and scholar, Ibn Kathir writes in his world fame Tafsir Ibn Kathir:  “and from relics it is said means, Moses’ staff and the remnants of the Tablets. This is the same Tafsir of Qatadah, As-Suddi, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas and `Ikrimah, who added, “And also the Torah.” `Abdur-Razzaq said that he asked Ath-Thawri, who said, “Some said that it contained a pot of manna and the remnants of the Tablets, “while some others said that it contained (Moses’) staff and two shoes (and refer to Surah Taha.” (20.12) ***

“(wherein is Sakinah) means grace. In addition, Ar-Rabi` said that Sakinah means mercy. This is also the meaning given by Ibn `Abbas, as Al-`Awfi narrated.” ***

Renowned Muffasir, Maulana Maududi writes in his marvelous Tafsir; ‘Tafhim-al-Qur’an’ in the commentary of Holy Verse No 2.248 as under:

“The Biblical version of this incident is different from the Qur’anic one. The former sheds light, however, on certain details of the incident. It shows that during a military engagement the pagan Philistines had captured the ‘Ark of the covenant’. Terrified of the scourge and pestilence which spread wherever they carried the Ark, these pagans placed it on a cart driven by milk cows, and sent it off. (1 Samuel 5-6 - Ed.) Perhaps the Qur’an alludes to this when it mentions angels, since the cart was driverless and it was the angels who kept it in their custody and brought it to the Israelites. The Qur’anic statement, that in the Ark ‘lies inward peace for you’, can be understood in the light of the Biblical statements that the Israelites regarded the Ark as highly auspicious, and as an emblem of their triumph and victory. When they were deprived of it, they began to feel that they had been deprived of the mercy of God. The return of the Ark, therefore, had a highly salutary effect on them as it strengthened their sagging morale and raised their spirits.

The Qur’anic mention of ‘the sacred relics left behind by the house of Aaron’ seems to allude to the Tablets of Law bequeathed to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ark is also said to have contained the original copy of the Torah, which Moses himself had had transcribed and which he had himself handed over to the Levites. The Ark is also supposed to have contained a golden urn holding the manna (Hebrews 9: 2 ff - Ed.), in order that the coming generations might recall God’s benevolence to their forefathers during their wandering in the desert. The Ark also probably contained the rod of Moses which was one of the great miracles of God.” (Hebrews 9: 5 mentions the rod of Aaron - Ed.) ***

The At Tabut Sakinah is also mentioned as ‘Ark Shekinah’ - Tabernacle (movable sanctuary) - ‘the Ark, of covenant’ of the LORD in the holy bibles for instance:

The construction of the Ark is commanded by God to Moses while the Jews were still camped at Sinai (Ex. 25:10-22; 37:1-9).

“Moses was directed to consecrate the Ark, when completed, with the oil of holy ointment” - (Ex. 30. 23-26)

In Deuteronomy a rather different account of the making of the Ark is given. Prophet Moses PBUH is made to say “and I turn and come down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made, and they are there, as Jehovah commanded me.” *** (10. 1-5)

In the Psalms, the Ark is twice referred to. In verse 78:61 its capture by the Philistines is spoken of, and the Ark is called “the strength and glory of God” (Ps. 78:61)***

Nay, “The Philistines took the Ark to several places in their country, and at each place misfortune resulted to them” (1 Sam. 5:1-6).

“The people of Ashdod were smitten with hemorrhoids; a plague of mice was sent over the land (1 Sam. 6:5). The affliction of boils was also visited upon the people of Gath and of Ekron, whither the Ark was successively removed.” (1 Sam. 5:8-12).

“And delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the adversary’s hand. (Ps. 78:61)

“and in verse 132:8, God is addressed as “You and the ark of Your strength.”

“Arise, O LORD, unto Thy resting-place; Thou, and the ark of Thy strength.” (Ps. 132:8)

Thus again it was proven from Jewish Bible even that what is mentioned as ‘At-Tabut Sakinah’ in the Holy Qur’an the same is mentioned as ‘the Ark, of covenant’ of the LORD in the holy bibles. And it is also a proven fact that the same was constructed by Prophet Moses PBUH at the instruction of Allah Almighty.

So my question is; what right, have the Jews; those Bani Israel who did not embraced Islam and had been and have been defying Islam and Prophet Moses PBUH of Islam, got in the legacy of Islam and Prophet of Islam??? In Islam the kinship is faith oriented and not region or blood oriented. If the Jews don’t believe in Islam what for they thirst their soul for Islamic Shrines? If the Jews have not only defied but tormented extremely all the Prophets PBUT sent out by Allah Almighty for their guidance but they have also killed brutally some of them PBUT. And even today if Jews is the first-and-foremost nation of the world who is sworn enemy of Muslims, then why do they yearn so badly for their patrimony???

(10:83) None but a few youths of Moses’ people accepted him, fearing that Pharaoh and their own chiefs would persecute them. Indeed Pharaoh was mighty in the land, he was among those who exceed all limits.

Jews account about the Al Haram Al Sharif:

But this is the locale; Al Masjid Al Aqsa (Al Haram Al Sharif) - which is claimed as ‘Temple Mount’ by Jews - and is mentioned as ‘Solomon’s Temple’ by Christian authors. This Muslim Sacred City namely ‘Al Qods’ is situated in a historical region known as Palestine, corruption of the name; Filistin and which is also known by so many other names; The Promised Land’ - ‘The Land of the Book’ - ‘The Land of Canaan’ and ‘The Holy Land’ etc.  And almost all this land of Palestinians is now the territory of Jewish State of Israel. The Jewish State of Israel which was founded in 1948 is nothing more than the grabbed land of historical region of Palestine. Notoriously known as the Balfour Declaration, was an instrument prepared in March 1916 and issued in November 1917, during World War I, by the British statesman Arthur James Balfour, who was the then foreign secretary in the cabinet of Prime Minister David Lloyd George - and whereby explicitly expressed the British government’s approval of Zionism with “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.”

Now let see what is the Jews account about the ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ and the site thereof. I try to state their account directly in their own words of the holy book; Hebrew Bibles - the underlining is mine so as to convey my point articulately:

“And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.” (Kings 1.11)

“And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God”. (Chronicles 1 22,2)

“And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the couplings; and brass in abundance without weight”; (Chronicles 1 22,3)

“and cedar-trees without number; for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought cedar-trees in abundance to David”. {P} (Chronicles 1 22,4)

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying:

“I go the way of all the earth; be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man”

“and keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself” (Kings 1-2.1,2,3).

“And Solomon sat upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established firmly.” (Kings 1.12)

“it was in fact still the private property of Auranah, the city’s former Jebusite king. For various reasons David did not confiscate the site but preferred to buy it from Auranah for full value: “So David  paid Ornan [Auranah] for the site 600 shekels’ worth of gold. And David built there an altar to the Lord and sacrificed burn offerings and offerings of well-being” (1Chronicles 21:25, and a slightly different version at 2 Samuel 24:18-25).  “Solomon did not ask for riches, but God generously gave him riches (1 Kings 3:13). Solomon had greater riches and wisdom than any other king on earth”. (I Kings 10:23).

“Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual showbread, and for the burnt-offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the appointed seasons of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.” (Chronicles 2 -2,3)

“Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father; for which provision had been made in the Place of David, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.” (Chronicles 2 -3, 1)

“Thus all the work that Solomon wrought for the house of the LORD was finished. {S} And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had hallowed; even the silver, and the gold, and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of God”. Chronicles 2- 5,1)

“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ houses of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion”. (Chronicles 2- 5.2)

“There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt”. (Chronicles 2- 5.10)

“but I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name might be there; and have chosen David to be over My people Israel”. (Chronicles 2- 6.6)

“Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel”. (Chronicles 2- 6.7)

“And there have I set the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which He made with the children of Israel.” (Chronicles 2- 6.11)

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house”. (Chronicles 2- 7.1)

“And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God”. (Chronicles 2- 7.5)

So now the conclusions that can be inferred, some directly and some consequently from their holy books can be summarized as under:

That, what both of them; King David & King Solomon PBUT, the former originated and the later built was a ‘House of God’ (viz Bethel in Hebrew) for the praying and offering sacrifices of Bani Israel before the God Almighty. And  that King David had purchased the land from Ornan [or Auranah], a Jebusite King for 600 shekels’ worth of gold. Solomon finished the construction during his seven years of rule; 961 to 922 bc means, roundabout 3000 years ago from today. And after having finished the construction, the Ark, covenant of the LORD (viz Ark Shekinah) was placed therein. Thereafter King Solomon prayed and offered burnt sacrifices to the God Almighty, which were accepted as the fire came down from the heaven and consumed the burnt offerings and sacrifices and glory of the Lord filled the House of God viz the Al Masjid Al Aqsa. Now as known to everyone that all the Muslims believe in firmly that both Da’ud & Suleiman (viz David & Solomon) were Prophets and Kings of Bani Israel assigned by Allah Almighty, for one and the same purpose of preaching Islam as has been assigned all other Prophets PBUT by Him Almighty in different times to different peoples. And being so some people of the Bani Israel proclaimed Islam in the pursuance thereof - and therefore Prophet Suleiman PBUH built a ‘House of God’ for the erstwhile Muslims praying and offering sacrifices to God Almighty - and they did not constructed synagogue or temple for Jews, Christians or others, for neither the Judaism or Christianity had yet been coined during that period, nor Prophets of Allah Almighty can be supposed to have thought building synagogues or temple for invoking therein others than the one Allah Almighty. The question is how a synagogue or temple could have been built during 961 to 922 bc - and that too by those two magnificent Prophets PBUT, when there were no traces of Judaism or Christianity? Prophets PBUT can’t be supposed to built anything else than a Mosque for Muslims praying and offering sacrifices to Allah Almighty. No Prophet of Allah Almighty can be singled out to have built synagogue, cloister or temple for Muslims praying. It is beyond their authority and can’t be even imagined ever.

Allah Almighty says in Holy Qur’an:

“Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah’s (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah”. (3.67)

“Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Prophet (Mohammad) and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith”. (3.68)

“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ houses of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion”. (Chronicles 2- 5.2)

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto its place, into the Sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. (Chronicles 2- 5.7)

“There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt”. (Chronicles 2- 5.10)

So the Noble Sanctuary; ‘Al Haram Al Sharif’ (viz Al Masjid Al Aqsa) in ‘Al Qods Al Sharif, Palestine in the vein of the other two Holiest Islamic Shrines; ‘Al Masjid Al Haram’ in ‘Mecca the Blessed’ and ‘Al Masjid An Nabawi’ in ‘Medinah the radiant’ is Muslims patrimony exclusively. Disbelievers can’t inherit Prophets PBUT legacy. All Jews may be Bani Israel but all Bani-Israel were/are not Jews. Not so many but some of the Jews were converted to Islam during the period of Prophet Mohammad PBUH as well as during the tenures of the preceding Prophets of Islam. Alone the Muslims and alone those among the Bani Israel who embraced Islam have rights in the legacy of Prophets; Noah, Ibrahim, Moses, Isa Ibn Maryam and other Prophets of Islam PBUT. Jews, Christians or other disbelievers of other creeds have nothing to do with the legacy of Prophets of Islam. With exception of Islam, all other creeds including, Judaism, Christianity are nothing more than counterfeit currency to confront the genuine currency of Islam. And above all, no less than the Holy Qur’an is our deed to this effect. Allah Almighty has given the name ‘Masjid’ only to Muslims Worship Places. Jews calling their worship places synagogues or temples - similarly Christians calling their ones ‘churches’ or temples. Correspondingly other disbelievers e.g. Hindus, Buddhists and Mormons use ‘Hindu temple’ - ‘Buddhist temple’ and ‘Mormon temple’ respectively for their worship places. And never ever Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Mormons have used the term, Masjid for their worship places throughout the history and nor they can do so. In the same way nowhere Muslims have ever used synagogue, temple, church or monastery for their worship site or place; Masjid/Mosque and nor they can do so, for anything deity or idol can be worshiped in synagogue, temple, church and monastery.

In fact besides Islam none amongst the running creeds has any Divine Validity and as such the Jews have got no legacy of original pride - hence given their longstanding envy with the Arab Muslims they are hell bent to corrupt the pirated copy of Islam and its legacy and present it in the brand name of Judaism and Jewish legacy before their nation and the world at large. The Jews therefore has distorted Allah Almighty’s House; Al Masjid Al Aqsa by adding some ultra Islamic entities e.g synagogue or calling it ‘temple mount’ as they have distorted Allah Almighty’s true religion of Islam into fake creed of Judaism and calling Allah Almighty’s Prophet Ibrahim PBUH  a Jew.

Whereas the Christians have distorted Allah Almighty’s House; Al Masjid Al Aqsa by adding some ultra Islamic entities e.g. ‘church of holy sepulture’ etc as they have distorted Allah Almighty’s Religion, Islam into forged ‘creed of christianity’ - and by calling Allah Almighty’s Prophet Ibrahim PBUH a Christian.

This is also a proven fact that no question of Judaism could have arisen in the era of Prophets Ibrahim, for Judaism admittedly was the phenomenon of about 4^th century BC whereas Prophet Ibrahim PBUH era  is round about 2200 BC.*** And Prophet Moses (PBUH) according to Jews history passed away in 1272 BC.*** Whereas Judaism was the brainchild of the Jewish rabbis who named it after the name of Prophet Jacob’s (PBUH) fourth son, Judah (viz Yehuda in Hebrew) - that is to say, centuries after the lifetime of the Prophet Moses (PBUH). Similarly Christianity is the occurrence of St Paul in about 43-44 AC.*** And so it can be said safely and with full authority that the question of Judaism and Christianity could not have arisen in the eras of Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Moses, Prophet King Da’ud, Prophet King Suleiman or Prophet Isa Ibn Maryam PBUT respectively. All this ‘religious piracy’ was carried out centuries after the Holy Eras of those Magnificent Prophets PBUT by the defying Bani Israel; Jews and Christians priests. And this is why Allah Almighty has said in the Holy Qur’an:

“People of the Book! Why do you dispute with us about Abraham even though the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after the time of Abraham? Do you not understand?” (3:65)

“Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma’il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah. Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah. but Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!” [2:140]

“Indeed We sent forth Noah and Abraham and established in their line Prophecy and the Book. Then some of them embraced the guidance and many of them are wicked. (57:26)

“None but a few youths of Moses’ people accepted him, fearing that Pharaoh and their own chiefs would persecute them. Indeed Pharaoh was mighty in the land, he was among those who exceed all limits.” (10:83)

“Do they envy others for the bounty that Allah has bestowed upon them? (Let them bear in mind that) We bestowed upon the house of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and We bestowed upon them a mighty dominion” - “whereupon some of them believed, and others turned away. (Those who turn away), Hell suffices for a blaze.” (4.54-55)

Sacredness for Muslims is not something artificial - sacredness before Muslims means any thing that has been declared as such either by Allah Almighty or His Almighty Prophets PBUT. So had the ‘Al Haram Al Sharif’ not been Al Masjid Al Aqsa, which has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an - or had it not been built by Prophets PBUT then Muslims won’t have been so much involved in the same. There are numerous Muslims world class and prestigious entities through out the globe, for Muslims have ruled all over the world - but Muslims hold only three Holiest Shrines; ‘Al Masjid Al Haram’ in ‘Mecca the Blessed’ - ‘Al Masjid Al Nabawi’ in ‘Medina the Radiant’ - and ‘Al Masjid Al Aqsa’ (viz Al Haram Al Sharif) in ‘Al Qods Al Sharif’- simply because Allah Almighty and His Almighty Prophets PBUT have declared them as such. And alone the Muslims are having the only authentic and reliable deed; the Holy Qur’an over the sanctity and ownership of them. Thus all the three aforementioned Islamic Holiest Shrines are the integral part of Muslim faith and defending their faith is the heart of their faith.

And this is why that despite so many odd times all the above mentioned Holiest Islamic Shrines and the Holy Qur’an have remained in Muslims hands for more than 3 millennia. So neither Muslims can be separated there from nor would anyone be able to stomach any part of Muslim faith!!!

So claiming that what was constructed by two magnificent Prophets Kings, David and Suleiman PBUT was temple mount, synagogue, temple or church is simply absurd and ridiculous.

Trackback URL