Which prophet built Al-Aqsa Mosque? What does Al-Aqsa mean in English?

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. The mosque was originally built by Caliph Umar in 638 CE, just a few years after the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.

The name “Al-Aqsa” means “the farthest mosque” and comes from a story in the Quran called “The Night Journey”. In the story, Prophet Muhammad travels from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he ascends to heaven and meets with other prophets before returning to Mecca.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Qibli Mosque or Qibli Chapel, is a revered Islamic sanctuary located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Al-Aqsa Mosque’s location within the Old City of Jerusalem places it in close proximity to various historical and holy sites in Judaism and Christianity, including the Temple in Jerusalem. This proximity has elevated its geopolitical significance and made it a focal point in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

The mosque is situated on the Temple Mount, which is also known as Haram al-Sharif. The Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a site of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians for many years. It has been closed to non-Muslim visitors for extended periods due to security concerns.