Shan e Bait ul Maqdas
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Aqsa)
Below is a comprehensive structure and enriched content for a 2,500‑word article in English on **Shan e Bait ul Maqdas** (the Glory of Jerusalem/Al‑Aqsa Mosque), complete with images and scholarly references. You can expand each section with more historical details, textual analyses, and contemporary commentary to reach the full length.
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## Title: A Sacred Narrative: The Splendor of Bait ul Maqdas (Al-Aqsa Mosque) ---
### 1. Introduction (\~300 words)
Begin by establishing **Al‑Aqsa Mosque**, nestled within **Bait ul Maqdas** (“The Holy House”), as the **third holiest site in Islam**. Mention the fundamental verse in the Qur'an: > "Glory be to Him Who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa..." (Qur'an 17:1) (http://wfia.org.uk][1], [http://as-salaamfoundation.co.uk][2]) Explain how this brief verse has inspired theological reflection, devotion, and literary expression, making the site central to Muslim spiritual and cultural identity.
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### 2. Biblical, Qur’anic, and Prophetic Foundations (\~400 words)
#### 2.1 Roots in Abrahamic Tradition
* **Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)** and **Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman)** are credited with early sacred construction on Jerusalem’s elevated plateau (later known as the Temple Mount). 
* Highlight archaeological continuity and sacred architecture linking Semitic traditions.
#### 2.2 Islamic Revelation – Isra and Mi‘raj
The overnight journey (Isra) from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to Al-Aqsa and subsequent ascension to heaven (Mi'raj) * Mosque described as hosting Salāt of earlier prophets led by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. ([zamzam.com][3], [as-salaamfoundation.co.uk][2])
#### 2.3 First Qibla & Early Muslim Practice
* Describe the initial Muslim encounter with Jerusalem during prayer before the Qibla moved to Mecca. * Emphasize the shift as a turning point in Muslim identity and unity.
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### 3. Historical Evolution (\~600 words)
#### 3.1 Changes from Rashidun to the Umayyad * The entry of **Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab** in 637 CE and his respectful prayer in front of a Christian church marked the beginning of the mosque in its simplest form. * **Umayyad Caliphs Abd al‑Malik & al‑Walid I** expand core structures, including Dome of the Rock. ([en.wikipedia.org][4])
#### 3.2 Abbasid, Ayyubid & Mamluk Era
* Reconstruction following 746 earthquake under **Abbasid al‑Mansur**.
* **Saladin** (1187) restores the mosque after Crusader rule; leads rule until Mamluke grandeur of domes, minarets. ([en.wikipedia.org][5])
#### 3.3 Ottoman and Modern Times
* 16th-century Ottoman embellishments including tilework and fountain installations. ([en.wikipedia.org][4])
* Restored in 1922 under the Supreme Muslim Council; continued under Jordanian control after 1948; Israeli control after 1967 under Waqf custodianship. ---
### 4. Architectural & Artistic Grandeur (\~500 words)
#### 4.1 Dome of the Rock
* Built 691–692 CE by Abd al‑Malik; reborn in 1022 and gold-plating renewed in mid-20th-century. Symbolizes spiritual center and Mi‘raj site. ([en.wikipedia.org][4])
4.2 Qibli Mosque (also known as Masjid al-Aqsa) * Early Umayyad prayer hall with silver dome; marble, mosaics, and Quranic inscriptions decorate the interior. #### 4.3 Minbars, Minarets & Marwani Hall
* **Minbar of Saladin**: ornate woodwork, destroyed in 1969 fire, reconstructed in 2007. ([en.wikipedia.org][6])
* Four iconic minarets: highlight the Ghawanima Minaret (built c.1298) and others. ([en.wikipedia.org][7])
* **Marwani Prayer Hall** (“Solomon’s Stables”) repurposed in 1996 under Waqf. ([en.wikipedia.org][4])
#### 4.4 The Largest Islamic Courtyard
* The Haram’s open courtyard can host 400,000 worshippers, symbolizing unity. ([en.wikipedia.org][8])
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### 5. (400 words) Spiritual Benefits and Sacred Traditions #### 5.1 Prophetic Praises & Virtues
* Al-Aqsa is referred to in Hadith as "the Farthest Mosque," and Muslims built it 40 years after Ka'bah. * More virtuous than many places; connecting the believer directly to Prophetic chronology. ([wfia.org.uk][1])
#### 5.2 Gathering of Prophets
* According to narratives, Muhammad led a group of prophets to pray there (britannica.com, p. 9). #### 5.3 eschatological and mystical significance
* Jerusalem as the “shortest path to the heavens”—quasi-mystical symbolism in Sufi and literary works. 
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### 6. Political Landscape & Modern Challenges (\~400 words)
#### 6.1 Tensions Between Israel and Palestine * Al‑Aqsa acts as flashpoint, with access disputes between Muslims and Jewish worshippers. 
* 1967 Israeli occupation, preservation of Waqf rule but police security control invoked. ([en.wikipedia.org][8])
#### 6.2 Recent Clashes & Global Concern
* 2021 and 2023 incidents involving raids, protests, and international outcry. 
#### 6.3 International Custodianship and Diplomatic Role * Jordan’s role as custodian; UNESCO’s heritage declarations; global Muslim solidarity. 
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### 7. Cultural Memory, Literature & Devotion (\~300 words)
* Festivals, poetry, particularly Arabic verse by **Nizar Qabbani**, and singing of Jerusalem as the "fragrance of Prophets" * Scholarly commentaries, pilgrim diaries, letters that frame Al‑Aqsa as spiritual fountain and identity anchor.
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### 8. Conclusion & Call to Reflection (\~200 words)
Summarize: Bait ul Maqdas isn’t merely a physical site—it is a locus of divine reverence, prophetic memory, cultural continuity, and contemporary strife. Encourages deeper scholarly engagement, spiritual reflection, and empathetic awareness. Invite readers to appreciate the sacred complexity and timeless connectivity that binds Muslims globally to Jerusalem.
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## 📚 References (Hawala Jāt)
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica on **Al‑Aqsa Mosque** – architectural and Qur’anic references ([zamzam.com][3], [blog.muslimandquran.com][10], [britannica.com][9])
2. Qur'an 17:1, WFIA and Al-Salaam Foundation interpretations ([britannica.com][9]) 3. Islamic historical sources (Umar’s entry, Saladin’s reconquest, Ottoman restorations) 
4. Minbar of Saladin – reconstruction and heritage account ([en.wikipedia.org][6])
5. Minarets including Ghawanima – architectural history ([en.wikipedia.org][7])
6. Political and conflict context – Al Jazeera and Insight Turkey ([insightturkey.com][11])
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## 🧭 How to Expand to 2,500 Words
* **In-depth sub-sections** in each heading with quotes from prominent medieval and modern scholars.
* **Poetic excerpts**: Arabic and Urdu translations of Nizar Qabbani, or other poets, to illustrate emotional resonance.
* **Technical analysis**: In-depth architectural descriptions supported by archaeological findings, such as inscriptions, tiles, and columns. * **Contemporary voices**: Testimonies from Palestinian caretakers (Madrasa officials, imams) or international diplomats.
* **Visual cues**: Infographics of mosque layout, map of Holy sites, comparative table of sacred precincts.
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This foundational framework—with rich images, credible citations, and thematic organization—will enable you to craft a compelling, scholarly, and evocative 2,500-word English article on **Shan e Bait ul Maqdas**. If you need help expanding any section or adding scholarly translations and images, let me know. [1]: https://www.wfia.org.uk/virtues-significance-of-al-aqsa/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Virtues & Significance of Al-Aqsa - WFIA | Lea Bridge Road Mosque"
[2]: https://www.as-salaamfoundation.co.uk/why-is-al-aqsa-mosque-so-important-to-muslims/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "as-salaamfoundation.co.u..."
[3]: https://zamzam.com/blog/al-aqsa-history/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Importance And History Of Al-Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem - zamzam.com"
[4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Aqsa? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Al-Aqsa"
[5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Aqsa_Mosque? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Al-Aqsa Mosque"
[6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minbar_of_the_al-Aqsa_Mosque? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Minbar of the al-Aqsa Mosque"
[7]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Aqsa_Minarets? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Minarets of Al-Aqsa"
[8]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Mount? utm_source="Temple Mount" on chatgpt.com [9]: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Al-Aqsa-Mosque? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Al-Aqsa Mosque | History, Religious Significance, & Facts - Britannica"
[10]: https://blog.muslimandquran.com/history-of-baitul-muqaddas/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "History of Baitul Muqaddas - Muslim and Quran"
[11]: https://www.insightturkey.com/commentaries/the-status-and-significance-of-bayt-al-maqdis-in-islam? utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Status and Significance of Bayt al-Maqdis in Islam - Insight Turkey"
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