Palestine – Masjidul Aqsa holds great importance in the Islamic faith and is often overshadowed by the focus on the Haramain in Makkah and Medinah. This tour, organised in partnership with Salaamedia and led by experienced tour operator Ayoob Dadabhay, aims to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Masjidul Aqsa.
The land of Sham (modern day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine) generally has a lot of Islamic history. Many Prophets (AS) have lived in these areas and are also buried there. During the life of Nabi (SAW) and after, many great battles and events took place in the blessed land of Sham. It has also been home to many great scholars including Imaam Shafi’i, who was born in Gaza, Palestine.
In this blessed land of Sham is Palestine and within this great land is the holy city of Al Quds or Jerusalem which is referred to by several names: ʼĪlyāʼ, Bayt Al-Maqdis (the Holy House), Al Quds (the Holiest Place). Within that lies the historic al-Aqsa sanctuary. The Al-Aqsa sanctuary stretches to an area of approximately 35 acres, and within it is the Al-Aqsa mosque, Dome of the rock and many other monuments and buildings.
The need to go to Masjidul Aqsa
It was the first Qiblah for the Muslims. The Muslims prayed facing Al Aqsa until around 18 months after the Prophet (SAW) migrated to Madianh. As such, it is considered as one of the three Harams, with the other two being Makah and Madinah. We all yearn to visit those blessed cities, but we often forget Al Aqsa for various reasons, but this shouldn’t be the case, said Dadabhay.
“The problem is we’ve gone for Umrah, we have gone for Hajj and we have stressed about going but we have forgotten about Masjidul Aqsa. By us forgetting Masjidul Aqsa, we are not honouring what we are supposed to be doing. We are supposed to be protecting Masjidul Aqsa. By us going to Masjidul Aqsa regularly, it gives us the opportunity to play our part in the protection of Masjidul Aqsa. I know South Africans have this fear that it is difficult to travel to Masjidul Aqsa, it’s very hard but it’s not as hard as people make it out to be. It is a small sacrifice that we have to make when travelling and that is about it. It is easier for us to visit Masjidul Aqsa than it is for the Palestinians.”
Masjidul Aqsa – Importance and Islamic history
Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques i.e. Al-Masjid-Al-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger (SAW), and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1189)
Masjidul Aqsa holds a unique position among the holiest sites in Islam. It is the place where Prophets (SAW) and angels have performed Salah, making it a site of immense spiritual significance. Masjidul Aqsa was visited by Nabi (SAW) and from there he (SAW) was taken on a miraculous journey to the heavens – the Mi’raj. Nabi (SAW) also led all the other Prophets (AS) in prayer on that blessed land, in that blessed Masjid and it is the only place where all the Prophets (AS) read salaah together. This alone is an indication of the importance of Masjidul Aqsa to all Muslims.
The city of Al Quds or Jerusalem was home to many Prophets (AS) and righteous people. It was the home of Yaqub (AS), Dawood (AS), Sulaiman (AS) and also Zakariyyah (AS) who was also the Imam of the Al Aqsa Mosque. It is in these blessed lands that Zakariyyah (AS) made Dua to Allah (SWT) for a son as it is mentioned in the Quraan.
It is also the place where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) migrated and lived most of his life. Here Ibrahim (AS) lived, traded, taught the Tawheed of Allah (SWT) (monotheism) and rebuilt Masjidul Aqsa within the Sanctuary of Al Aqsa, before his eventual death. The grave of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is near Al Aqsa sanctuary in a place called Al-Khalil which means “intimate friend” and was the title of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Al-Khalil is approximately half an hour from Al Quds.
The private chamber of Dawood (AS) was within the Al Aqsa sanctuary. The son of Dawood (AS), Sulaiman (AS) also resided in Al Quds. He (AS) completed the building of a great structure of Al Aqsa, within Haram al-Sharif, which his father Dawud (AS) had begun.
Apart from this, Masjidul Aqsa was the second masjid built on earth approximately 40 years after the Ka`bah was built in Makkah.
Narrated Abu Dhar (AS): I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (SAW)! Which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?” He said, “Al- Masjid-ul-,Haram (in Makkah).” I said, “Which was built next?” He replied, “The mosque of Al Aqsa (in Jerusalem).” I said, “What was the period of construction between the two?” He said, “Forty years.” He added, “Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due, perform the prayer there, for the best thing is to do so (i.e. to offer the prayers in time). (Sahih al-Bukhari 3366)
Itinerary and activities of the tour
The tour itinerary covers a range of destinations, including Masjidul Aqsa itself and various significant sites in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Some of the highlights include visiting Masjidul Aqsa, exploring the Old City of Jerusalem and many other things, explained Dadabhay. The first day will be a relaxing day at the hotel. The rules, the do’s and don’ts, getting into Masjidul Aqsa and things of that nature will be discussed on the first day. After that, the tour begins.
“We’ll leave Jerusalem and go to the West Bank. We’ll go to Masjid Khalil in Hebron, Musa (AS) Makam, to Bethlehem, to the Church of Nativity, to Jericho. So, we’ll do quite a bit. We’ll go to Rabia Basiri’s grave and to Mount Olive. There’s a lot of history that overlaps between Judaism, Islam and Christianity. We give you a version of everything. We tell you about everything, the Jewish Judaism version of things, the Christianity version of things and the Islamic version of things … We’ll do a tour of Masjidul Aqsa. Get the history of Al Aqsa. Where things happen, places that things happened and the reason why the Jews want the Dome of the Rock. So we give you a tour of all that as well. Then we do a tour of the Old City.”
The tour will also include engaging with renowned experts who will provide insights into the history and significance of the region. It will also include the various graves of the Sahabah (RA).
The tour will take place from the 25th of September to the 2nd of October. The package includes return flights, accommodation at the Hashimi Hotel in the Old City, meals, and guided tours with experts. The cost of the tour is R29,999.
The spiritual and educational journey to Masjidul Aqsa is an opportunity of a lifetime. It provides a chance to deepen our understanding of Islamic history, strengthen our spiritual connection, and support the people of Palestine. By embarking on this journey, we honour our responsibilities as Muslims and gain a renewed appreciation for the spirituality and educational value that Masjidul Aqsa offers. Let us seize this chance to enrich our lives and contribute to the preservation of this sacred site.
To book or for more information, contact:
Salaamedia: 011 680 0355
Ponty Moletsane: 081 569 9770
Shamseer Khan: 081 717 2300
Aqoob Dadabhay spoke to Inayet Wadee about the tour and how they have created it to immerse travellers in the local culture and create a love for Palestine within one’s heart. To hear more about the tour, listen to the discussion here:
