Masjid Al-Aqsa has been in danger since the Israeli Occupation of East Jerusalem began in 1967. Since the occupation the Israeli authorities have allowed Israeli extremists to intimidate and violate the sanctity of Masjid Al-Aqsa. However in the past decade the attacks on Masjid Al-Aqsa have been directed by the Israeli political elites.
One point of direct political incitement is marked by Ariel Sharon who in 2019 flanked by Likud politicians stormed the Aqsa Haram al-Sharif. The Palestinian reaction to the Israeli provocation led to the Al-Aqsa intifada. During the intifada thousands of Palestinian homes were demolished thousands more were arrested and over 3000 Palestinians killed.
The attacks on Masjid Al-Aqsa and on its peaceful worshippers over recent years have become so frequent that it has become normalized. In Ramadan 2019 Israeli extremists violating the sanctity of Masjid Al-Aqsa were provided military cover by Israeli politicians. In 2021 Ramadan Al-Aqsa witnessed one of the most brutal attacks from Israel which included randomly beating worshippers firing rubber bullets and stun grenades inside the mosque. Ramadan 2022 has again seen a repeat of Israeli aggression that is going on for longer and being more violently brazen.
Masjid al-Aqsa is the holiest Muslim site in Jerusalem. For Muslims around the world Al-Aqsa is the symbol of Prophetic memory that not only links the three holiest sites of Makkah Medina and Jerusalem but also the Prophet’s biography. Al-Aqsa also forms the fabric of Muslim historicity. Al-Aqsa calls on Muslims to draw lessons from Umar the second Caliph on how to behave in victory. Al-Aqsa through the life of Salahudeen teaches Muslims steadfastness and perseverance. Al-Aqsa is also the site of meditation and reflection. It is for these reasons that Al-Aqsa was resident for a period to great scholars like Imam Ghazali Rabia Basari Shaykh Ibrahim ibn Adham and others.
The centrality and importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa to Muslims remain undisputed. The Israeli attacks on Masjid Al-Aqsa therefore cannot be reduced to being against the Palestinians. The Israeli desecration of Masjid Al-Aqsa is an affront to Muslims across the globe. Israel through its actions and support for the extremists is indicating its disregard of the sanctity Muslims hold Al-Aqsa.
Throughout the violent Israeli onslaught Palestinians have gathered to protect Masjid Al-Aqsa. In fact in Ramadan 2021 within hours of merciless Israel attacks over 260000 Palestinians gathered to worship on the last Friday. Similarly this year despite the restrictions checkpoints arrests beatings and possibly being killed over 100000 performed Friday prayers in Al-Aqsa.
If the spiritual significance of Al-Aqsa Haram Sharif is for all Muslims and the Israeli violations are being suffered by the Palestinians the important question to ask is what are the Muslims around the world doing for their Holy site.
– Ismail Patel is the author of The Muslim Problem: From the British Empire to Islamophobia. He is also Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Leeds and the Chair of the UK based NGO Friends of Al-Aqsa. His article appeared in MEMO.
