How to Pronounce Al Aqsa

Meaning and Context

Al Aqsa, formally known as Al-Aqsa Mosque (المسجد الأقصى), is the revered silver-domed place of worship situated within the sacred precinct of Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) in the Old City of Jerusalem. Its profound significance stems from its status as the third holiest site in Islam, following the Great Mosque of Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. According to Islamic tradition, it marks the location of the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey (al-Isra') and subsequent Ascension (al-Mi'raj) to heaven. The entire compound, encompassing the Dome of the Rock, prayer halls, and courtyards, is often collectively referred to as Al Aqsa by Muslims, embodying a deep spiritual and historical legacy. Its management falls under the Islamic Waqf, and its location in East Jerusalem places it at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making it a perpetual flashpoint and a central symbol of Palestinian identity and Islamic heritage. The site's history spans millennia, with the current mosque structure dating primarily to the early 8th century and undergoing several reconstructions, most notably after an earthquake in 746 CE.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The term "Al Aqsa" is subject to several variations in transliteration from Arabic. The most common and widely accepted spelling is "Al-Aqsa" with a hyphen, though "Al Aqsa" without a hyphen is also frequently used. The definitive article "Al" (meaning "the") is sometimes integrated into the name as one word: "Alaqsa" or "Aqsa," though these are less conventional. A common misspelling results from phonetic confusion, leading to errors like "Al Aksa," "Al-Aksah," or "El-Aksa." It is crucial to distinguish between "Al-Aqsa Mosque" (the specific mosque building) and the "Dome of the Rock," the iconic golden-domed structure that shares the same plaza but is a distinct architectural and religious monument. Another frequent error is the misuse of the term "Al Aqsa" to refer only to the Dome of the Rock; while related, they are not synonymous. The full and proper Arabic name is "Al-Masjid al-Aqṣā," which translates to "the Farthest Mosque."

Example Sentences

Every Friday, thousands of worshippers gather at Al Aqsa for the congregational Jumu'ah prayers, filling its vast courtyards.

The protection of Al Aqsa's status and accessibility remains a central tenet in the political platforms of many Islamic movements.

Historians note that the Crusaders, upon capturing Jerusalem in 1099, repurposed Al Aqsa Mosque, first using it as a royal palace and later as the headquarters for the Knights Templar.

In Islamic eschatology, Al Aqsa is prophesied to play a pivotal role in events preceding the Day of Judgment.

The intricate tilework and calligraphy adorning the interior of Al Aqsa Mosque exemplify the pinnacle of Islamic architectural artistry from the Umayyad and later Mamluk periods.

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