The text below is MUIS khutbah text delivered on 3 May 2002 under the title The Significance of Al Aqsa Mosque.
Reposted here for all to benefit.
Click here for the Malay version.
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My dear brothers in Islam,
Al Aqsa Mosque or Masjid Al Aqsa lies in a special place in Islam. This is based on the following facts:
First, Masjid Al Aqsa was the first kiblat for Muslims before Allah substitute it with the Kaabah in Mecca.
Second, it is the place where Rasulullah s.a.w. ascended and descended during his Isra’ and Mi’raj.
Allah says in surah Al-Isra’ , verse 1:
“Glorified is He (Allah) who took his slave (Muhamad s.a.w.) for a journey by night from Masjidil Haram to Masjidil Aqsa, the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed in order that We might show him of our ayat.”
Third, based on the ayat that I’ve just recite shows that Allah regards Al Aqsa Mosque as a blessed neighbourhood.
Fourth, it is one of the mosque that Islam strongly encouraged for Muslims to visit. Rasulullah says in his hadith narrated by Al Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Daud:
“No mode of transportation is required unless you are visiting three great mosques, Masjidil Haram, My Mosque (Masjidil Nabawi) and Masjidil Aqsa.”
Fifth, the merit of performing prayers in Masjidil Al Aqsa is several times more than in other mosques except for Masjidil Haram and Masjidil Nabawi. Rasulullah s..a.w says in his hadith narrated by At Tabarani:
“The merit of performing one solat in Masjidil Haram is equivalent to one hundred thousand prayers, the benefit of performing one solat in My Mosque (Masjidil Nabawi) is equivalent to one thousand prayers and the benefit of performing one solat in Masjidil Aqsa is equivalent to five hundred prayers.”
Sixth, Masjidil Aqsa is situated in Jerusalem that became a symbol of Islamic righteousness and struggle. Rasulullah s.a.w says in his hadith narrated by Ahmad:
There will always be a group amongst my ummah that will continuously struggle for righteousness and to defeat their enemies. They will not be immobilized by anyone who opposes them or for any sufferings that they faced until Allah’s help comes. Sahabats asked Rasulullah s.a.w, “ Where are they Rasulullah? Rasulullah says, “ They are in Jerusalem and its neighbouring areas.
Seventh, Masjidil Aqsa is the third holy land for the Muslims after Mecca and Medina. Based on the above facts, it is inevitable that every Muslims do have a link to Masjidil Aqsa. Muslims are entrusted with the responsibility to preserve, uphold and prevent from any form of incursion, occupation or cruelty to the Masjidil Aqsa.
Muslims will be hold responsible by Allah s.w.t. for whatever that will happen to Masjidil Asqa.
Brothers in Islam,
As much as Muslims are obligated to defend Masjidil Aqsa as their holy land, they must also do the likewise for the land of Palestine. Muslims all over the world shoulder the responsibility to uphold the struggle for the sovereignty of Palestine land as it is part of a Muslim territory that was once ruled by Saidina Umar r.a
Islamic scholars have consensusly agreed that it is obligatory for every Muslims to defend every inch of the land they owned from any form of enemy incursion or occupation. It is haram to allow lands belonging to Muslims from being occupied and being colonized.
Although, the loss of Palestine lands does not affect Muslims in other part of the world, it does not mean that their accountability in liberating the land is diminished. They have the moral obligation to do something for the Palestinian. Allah says in surah At-Taubah, verse 71:
The believers, men and women are Auliya’, of one another, they enjoin Al Ma’ruf (Islamic monothesism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid people from Al Munkar (polythesism and disbelief of all kinds that Islam forbids), they perform salat and give zakat and obey Allah and his messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is the All Mighty and All Wise.
Rasulullah s.a.w says in his hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari & Muslim:
“An example of the relationship between a Mukmin and his fellow Mukmin who loves and care for each other is like a human body. If one part of the body is in pain, the part will also feel the pain. A Mukmin and another Mukmin is like a building. Everyone needs to support each other.”
Therefore, the issue on Masjidil Aqsa and Palestine is no longer a domestic issue of the Palestinian or the Arabs but has become an issue for the whole Muslim community worldwide.
My brothers in Islam
Although limited by individual constraints, Muslims all over the world have an obligation to play a crucial part in finding solution for the issue of Masjidil Aqsa and the Palestine inline with the religious obligations and legal boundaries.
Muslims who live away from Masjidil Aqsa and the Palestine can however play the following roles:
First, to cultivate the sensitivity towards the development that are related to Masjidil Aqsa and Palestine.
Second, to take an interest and follows the news regarding to Masjidil Aqsa nad Palestine.
Third, to learn the history of Masjidil Aqsa and Palestine so that one can understand the reality of the situation.
Fourth, to educate our children and families to love Masjidil Aqsa and Palestine and teach them its historical beginning
Fifth, to disseminate actual information on Masjidil Aqsa and Palestine. To encourage the whole Muslim community to be sensitive towards the issue and to follow its development closely.
Sixth, to doa to Allah s.w.t. after every solat so that Masjidil Aqsa will be returned to the Muslims, the land of Palestine will be liberated and the Palestinian be given their rights and freedom.
Seventh, to give financial support in aiding the Palestinian and the liberation of Masjidil Aqsa through the available channels that is currently being managed by the respective humanitarian agencies and in accordance to the existing law.
Eighth, to be involved in humanitarian effort in assisting the Palestinian or an y other activities that is related to Masjidil Aqsa.
Ninth, to be involved in any other efforts as part of our jihad in the way of Allah for the purpose of Masjidil Aqsa and Palestine based on individual ability and resources within the permitted legal boundaries. Allah says in surah At-Taubah verse 41:
“March forth whether you are light (healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (ill, old or poor) and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. This is better for you if you knew.”
Ya Allah, assist us in our effort towards bringing back the sovereignty of the Palestinian lands, and ending all form of cruelty and sufferings and may peace and prosperity prevail especially in the land of Palestine. Amin, ya Rabbal Alamin.
