Makkah and Bait-ul-Maqdis-Which is more important to Muslims?

What is Bait-ul-Muqaddas?

Makkah and Baitul Maqdis are the holiest places for Muslims on Earth. Muslims aspire to book a Saudi Arabia tour Hajj package that includes a trip to the Holy Mosque Al-Aqsa.

Bait-ul-Muqaddas holds a very sacred place for Muslims. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) laid great stress on his companions to protect the holy mosque no matter what. Before Allah commanded Muslims to face the Holy Kabah, the believers prayed in the Bait ul Muqaddas direction. Muslims regard it as the second house of Allah. Makkah and Baitul Maqdis both are Allah’s houses on Earth.

Baitul Maqdis is such a revered place for Muslims as hundreds of Allah’s prophets and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rest in peace there.

Who built Bait-ul-Muqaddas first time?

Some scholars believe that Hazrat Adam (AS) first built Bait-ul-Muqaddas, while some assert that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) built it first. This indicates how old is Bait-ul-Muqaddis.

Hundreds of years later Hazrat Dawood (AS) built the mosque which had been damaged over the years. Then his son, Hazrat Suleiman (AS) rebuilt Bait-ul-Muqaddas restoring its glory. After that many conquerors came, including the Babylonians who demolished the holy mosque. Centuries later, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always encouraged his companions to reclaim the holy land. When Hazrat Omer (RA) conquered Jerusalem, he reconstructed the mosque and renovated the Noble Sanctuary. After that, different caliphs from time to time, made renovations and improvisations to preserve the sanctity of the holy mosque. The Ottoman caliphs made great efforts over this period.

Bayt al Maqdis in Quran: –

The Holy Quran mentions Makkah and Baitul Maqdis in many places. Allah refers to Masjid al Aqsa as a “blessed place” in the Holy Quran. Allah mentions it, directly and indirectly, a total of seventy times.

The significance of Baitul Maqdis is so immense that Allah revealed Surah Al-Isra to explain the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Masjid-al-Aqsa. That night Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all the prophets and messengers of Allah in prayers at Bayt ul Maqdis. It was this mosque from where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens that night. Particularly, the Dome of Rock is the place from where he ascended to the skies. Hence both Makkah and Baitul Maqdis are very sacred for Muslims.

Bait ul Muqaddas in which country?

Bait ul Muqaddas is in Palestine. Palestine is one of the oldest places on Earth that human beings have inhabited. Jerusalem, the Palestinian land between Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, is the holy land where Bait ul Muqaddas is situated. However, that area is under conflict for many decades. Israel wants to take over the land and make it the capital, however, Palestine is resisting the claim, given the religious significance of the land. Hence the land renders as disputed for many years.

Is Baitul Muqaddas and Masjid Aqsa same?

Masjid Aqsa has many names. Baitul Muqaddas is another name for Masjid Aqsa, meaning the House of Holiness. Masjid-al-Aqsa means “The Farthest Mosque”. It is because Makkah and Baitul Maqdis are very distant. The two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah are close while the one in Jerusalem is very far.

Importance of Makkah and Baitul Maqdis for Muslims: – 

Baitul Maqdis is the third holiest place for Muslims on Earth, after Kabah and Masjid-e-Nabawi. Before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, he used to offer prayers in the direction of Baitul Maqdis. After almost two years of migration, Allah ordered to change the Qibla from Baitul Maqdis to Makkah. This shows the importance of Makkah and Baitul Maqdis for Muslims. Allah sent many of his prophets to this holy land, including Hazrat Dawood (AS), Hazrat Suleiman (AS), Hazrat Isa (AS), and many others. Historically this land holds very close ties with Islam. Many of Allah’s messengers strived all their lives to spread the word of Allah. Makkah and Baitul Maqdis, therefore, are ingrained in Islam since the beginning.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed upon his companions to never forget Baitul Maqdis. It is believed that the prayer in Baitul Maqdis is equal to 250 prayers anywhere else. Muslims all over the world hold a firm stance on preserving the sanctity of Baitul Maqdis and protecting it at all costs.