Masjid Al-Aqsa holds a deeply spiritual and emotional place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It is the first Qibla of Islam — the direction Muslims faced during prayer before it was changed to the Kaaba in Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was spiritually transported here during the miraculous journey of Isra and Mi’raj, before ascending to the heavens.
It is one of the three holiest sites in Islam, alongside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. Praying here holds immense reward — the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“You should not undertake a journey to visit any place [for the sake of prayer] other than the three mosques: the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, this mosque of mine, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
What Does Israel Aim to Do With It?
Israel’s ongoing efforts to change the status quo of Al-Aqsa are a source of global concern. From restricting Muslim access, storming the mosque compound, to illegal excavation activities — the aim is often seen as an attempt to Judaize the area and prepare for the building of a third Jewish temple on the ruins of Al-Aqsa.
Such actions:
- Violate international laws
- Inflame religious tensions
- Threaten the identity of Jerusalem
Despite claims of “security,” the reality is that Al-Aqsa is slowly being chipped away, both physically and symbolically.
Masjid Al-Aqsa is not just a Palestinian issue. It is a Muslim issue. A human issue. A moral issue. We must come together — not with hatred, but with truth, dignity, and love for what is sacred.
What Does “Judaize the Area” Mean?
To Judaize an area means to change its religious, cultural, and historical identity to reflect a Jewish character or narrative, often at the expense of its existing identity — in this case, Islamic and Palestinian.
When people say that Israel is attempting to “Judaize” Jerusalem or Al-Aqsa’s surrounding area, they are usually referring to actions like:
Altering the Demographics
Bringing in more Jewish settlers to East Jerusalem and pushing out Palestinian residents through evictions or housing restrictions. Promoting archaeological projects or narratives that emphasize ancient Jewish presence while ignoring or minimizing Islamic history — especially around the Al-Aqsa compound.
Restricting Muslim Worship
Limiting access to Al-Aqsa for Muslims, especially during key Islamic dates or prayer times, while allowing or encouraging Jewish visits that challenge the site’s status quo. There are some groups in Israel openly calling for the demolition or takeover of the Al-Aqsa Mosque area to build a third Jewish Temple — a move that could provoke major conflict across the Muslim world.
In Simple Terms:
“Judaizing” is about removing or weakening the Islamic and Palestinian identity of the land — replacing it with a Jewish-nationalist identity tied to political and religious goals.
1. Illegal Settlements in East Jerusalem
Since 1967, Israel has occupied East Jerusalem — including the Old City where Masjid Al-Aqsa is located.
Over 200,000 Jewish settlers have been moved into East Jerusalem neighborhoods, often displacing Palestinian families.
These settlements are considered illegal under international law (UN Resolutions 242 and 478).
Reports from United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and B’Tselem (Israeli Human Rights Group) confirm aggressive settlement expansion.
2. Temple Mount Movement
Several Israeli groups, like the Temple Institute and Return to the Mount, are openly working to rebuild the Third Jewish Temple at the site of Masjid Al-Aqsa.
These groups conduct tours inside Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police protection and sometimes attempt symbolic “sacrifices” near the area — a direct provocation.
Visit the Temple Institute’s website or watch YouTube videos of Israeli settlers breaching Al-Aqsa under police escort.
3. Systematic Excavations Under Al-Aqsa
Ongoing archaeological digs by Israel beneath and around Al-Aqsa aim to “prove” Jewish heritage while damaging the mosque’s foundations.
These digs have caused cracks in buildings, destabilized structures, and sparked massive protests.
Documented by the Islamic Waqf (custodians of Al-Aqsa) and shown in investigative reports by Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and The Guardian.
4. Restricting Muslim Access
Muslims are regularly banned from entering Al-Aqsa, especially on Fridays or during Jewish holidays.
Israeli police often storm the mosque, fire tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrest worshippers.
Viral videos on social media and coverage by BBC, CNN, Reuters, and Al Jazeera confirm these incidents. Hashtags like #SaveAlAqsa trend whenever these raids occur.
5. Laws and Political Support
Israeli ministers and members of the Knesset (parliament) frequently visit Al-Aqsa, declaring sovereignty over it.
Some have called for legal changes to allow Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa — a violation of the “status quo” agreement.
Statements from politicians like Itamar Ben-Gvir and videos of their visits are public record.
6. Targeting Palestinian Institutions
Israeli authorities have shut down Palestinian educational, cultural, and religious institutions in East Jerusalem.
The aim is to weaken the Islamic and Arab presence around Al-Aqsa and erase its identity.
UNESCO reports and coverage from Middle East Monitor and Amnesty International document these closures.
International Reactions: Growing Global Concern
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly condemned statements by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the construction of a synagogue within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. In an official statement dated August 27, 2024, the MFA described Ben-Gvir’s remarks as a “new and extremely dangerous example of Israel’s efforts to change the status and identity of Jerusalem and the holy sites in Jerusalem.”
The MFA emphasized that such provocations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site held sacred exclusively by Muslims, are offensive to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide and contribute to escalating tensions globally. The statement further warned that the Israeli government’s actions against the Palestinian people increasingly threaten both regional and global stability. The MFA called upon the international community to take action to halt Israeli aggression and to protect the Palestinian people.
These developments have also elicited strong reactions from other countries. Jordan condemned the Israeli plan to fund Jewish visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, labeling it a provocation that could ignite an already volatile situation. Similarly, Saudi Arabia denounced Ben-Gvir’s remarks, reaffirming the need to respect the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, with widespread concern over actions that may alter the delicate status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
What Should Muslims Do Today?
In the face of rising threats to this holy sanctuary, Muslims have a religious and moral duty to stand up — with wisdom, peace, and unity.
1. Raise Awareness
Educate others about the historical, religious, and spiritual significance of Masjid Al-Aqsa. Share articles, documentaries, and verified facts on social media.
2. Support Peaceful Advocacy
Join or support peaceful efforts that defend the rights of Palestinian people and the sanctity of Al-Aqsa. Always advocate through legal, ethical, and humanitarian means.
3. Donate to Verified Causes
Support organizations that provide aid to people in Palestine, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and protect religious sites.
4. Pray for Al-Aqsa
Never underestimate the power of du’a (prayer). Pray for peace, justice, and the safety of this sacred place.
5. Visit, If You Can
If you have the means, visit Masjid Al-Aqsa to pray there and support the local Muslim population. Every presence there matters.
A Strategic Erasure
These aren’t isolated incidents — they are strategic steps in a long-term plan to alter the religious and political identity of Jerusalem. The ultimate goal? Claim full control over Al-Aqsa and reshape the area to reflect Jewish nationalist narratives, with complete disregard for international law or interfaith harmony.
