One of the oldest faiths of the world, Islam has continued to exist for more than 14 centuries. The rich Islamic history spreads across various regions of the world. The holiest places in Islamic faith exist in three of the Middle Eastern cities. These are the three holy mosques; Masjid al-Haram, Masjid al-Nabawi and Masjid al-Aqsa. Let us have a look at the significance of these holy mosques in Islam.
Masjid al-Haram, the Holy Mosque of Makkah
Makkah is undoubtedly the holiest city for Muslims. It is the city where the last Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH) was born. However, the other major reason for the significance of Makkah is that the city houses the holy mosque of Allah, Masjid al-Haram. It is known by several other names as well such as the Great Mosque of Makkah or the Grand Mosque. It surrounds the holiest place for Muslims on Earth that is the Kabah, the House of Allah. Millions of Muslims travel from all around the world to perform pilgrimage to the House of Allah. Hajj, the annual pilgrimage around the Holy Kabah is one of the five pillars of Islam. The place is so sacred that Allah has commanded Muslims to face the Holy Kabah no matter where in the world they are when offering the five obligatory prayers.
Masjid al-Nabawi, the Holy Mosque of Madinah
When the people of Makkah made it difficult for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to preach and spread the word of Allah, Allah ordered his Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to migrate to the city of Madina. People of Madina welcomed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) wholeheartedly. Upon reaching the city, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) constructed a mosque which was not only a place of worship for all but also the place where he resided. From thereafter, the mosque went renovations and extensions many times. Today it stands as one of the most beautiful places of worship in the world. Muslims from everywhere travel to Madina to offer prayers and worship Allah in the holy mosque of Madina and offer salutations to the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Its green dome makes the holy mosque distinctive even from farthest distances.
Masjid al-Aqsa, the Holy Mosque of Jerusalem
One of the oldest cities to exist on Earth, Jerusalem holds great significance for all the three Abrahamic faiths; Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Most of the Prophets sent by Allah for the guidance of mankind lived in this city. Before Allah ordered Kabah to be the direction of prayers, people used to pray in the direction of Jerusalem. It is the third holiest city in Islam.
Also known as the farthest mosque, Masjid al-Aqsa witnessed some of the greatest incidents in the history of mankind. The miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the Heavens and above took place from Masjid al-Aqsa. That night he also led the congregational prayer of the all prophets of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was ascended from the Dome of Rock to the Heavens. The area surrounding Masjid al-Aqsa has some other religious sites and monuments as well. This is the reason why the place is collectively known as Haram ash-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary. These places include the Dome of Rock, the Seventeen Gates and the Four Minarets. Due to harsh weather conditions and earthquakes its foundation weakened many times. The holy mosque was renovated several times since its construction.
Also known as the farthest mosque, Masjid al-Aqsa witnessed some of the greatest incidents in the history of mankind. The miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the Heavens and above took place from Masjid al-Aqsa. That night he also led the congregational prayer of the all prophets of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was ascended from the Dome of Rock to the Heavens. The area surrounding Masjid al-Aqsa has some other religious sites and monuments as well. This is the reason why the place is collectively known as Haram ash-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary. These places include the Dome of Rock, the Seventeen Gates and the Four Minarets. Due to harsh weather conditions and earthquakes its foundation weakened many times. The holy mosque was renovated several times since its construction.
Sanctity of the Holy Mosques
There is great reward for offering prayers in these mosques. Many people schedule their Umrah and Hajj trips in such a way that they visit all the three mosques. The joy of worshipping Allah the Almighty in these holy mosques is simply beyond words. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: -
“Do not undertake a journey to visit any Mosque, but three: this Mosque of mine, the Mosque of al-Haram and the Mosque of Aqsa.”
As Muslims we must try to visit these holy mosques at least once in lifetime and earn great reward by engaging in prayer and worship at these holy mosques.
“Do not undertake a journey to visit any Mosque, but three: this Mosque of mine, the Mosque of al-Haram and the Mosque of Aqsa.”
As Muslims we must try to visit these holy mosques at least once in lifetime and earn great reward by engaging in prayer and worship at these holy mosques.