masjid aqsa – My Little Breathing Space – I write for the few, not the many. The few that are left out!

Hafidh Farhaan Jamadar, Ramadhan 1445/2024

Al Aqsa Reflections 4

Today, we had the opportunity to visit Aqbad Jabal refugee camp, which houses a large collection of families that were displaced in 1948. These people are essentially refugees in their own country. Although they are living in formal dwellings, they remain in a condition of need for food aid and have limited opportunities to earn a livelihood. We distributed food packs including non-perishable items such as oil, flour, rice, beans etc. Some of the young boys also received football shirts which they were overjoyed with.

We also went to a hospital on Mount Olive which is primarily funded by the Kuwaiti government. We met cancer patients from Gaza who have been relocated here to receive chemotherapy treatment, before the war. They are currently in a situation along with their caregivers, where they cannot return home and they remain in temporary accommodation in a nearby hotel. They told us about how their homes have been destroyed, which has meant that their families have been relocated multiple times from place to place. Now they have no homes to return to, making up a small fraction of the over 2 million people that have been displaced.

Finally, we travelled towards the Dead Sea which has significance due to the story of the Prophet Lut (AS). It was also close to the place where Musa (AS) ended up on his way back from Egypt towards Al-Quds, as he did not make it to Al-Aqsa. Musa (AS) is the prophet whose name is mentioned the most by Allah in the Qur’an. Another place we were most fortunate to visit was the place of ascension of Isa (AS). Both of these noble and great Prophets of Allah were sent to Bani Isra’il, but unfortunately they are either not held in high regard or disregarded completely by their tribe.

Reflections:

1. Give charity with your own hands. Many of us in the developed world are so blessed that even our obligatory charity, zakah, is simply given to charities who take on the responsibility of distribution. There is a special feeling of doing it yourself. Aside from the aspect of reward, it is a humbling experience. It gives you a chance to connect with those that are less fortunate and realise the importance of giving sadqah for the sake of Allah.

2. We will probably never know a time where we lose everything we have, it is a reality for the people of Gaza right now. Do whatever you can to support them from your homes in the Western world. But more than anything, come here and speak to the people of Palestine and Al-Quds. Many people outside of Gaza have family there. Alhamdulillah some of them even have avenues of supplying aid, so come and play your part.

3. Despite what you may do for your people, whether it be family, friends or colleagues, you may not always be appreciated. What you do is nothing compared to what the noble prophets Isa and Musa (AS) did for the Bani Isra’il. The lesson is to do everything for the sake of Allah and expect nothing from anyone else, it is Allah who will elevate your status in the hereafter.

The believed place of ascension of Isa (AS) to the heavens

Al Aqsa Reflections 5
Sister Abeer is a Palestinian sister who lives in the Old City, working as an archaeologist but also leading a charity supporting poor families in the old city. She gave us a tour of the old city, sharing with us intimate stories relating to the brutal occupation and providing us with an insight that can only be attained by connecting with the locals.
We heard countless stories which underline the cruel nature of the occupation and the strategy of the settlers to destroy the morale and societal fabric of the Palestinians living in Jerusalem, particularly the old city. It is common for settlers to barge into peoples’ homes in an attempt to force them out of their houses. This highlights how colonialism is happening on both a micro level as well as a state wide macro level. Settlers and the Israeli police physically assault Palestinians with zero repercussions. In the streets, I have seen with my own eyes regular civilians carrying automatic assault rifles designed to kill multiple targets within a matter of seconds. Is this normal? Is this what the West stands by? Is this really done in the name of Bani Isra’il?
The most shocking story we heard was of a woman who returned to her home after a few days away to find that settlers had invaded her home. They refused to leave and she had no intention of giving up the house to them. As a result, up until her death she lived 30 years of her life alongside settlers in her own home, sharing her kitchen and bathroom. They argued every single day, but this was the sacrifice she made for her land, her people and her religion. Another story which almost brought me to tears… a Palestinian family had their water, electricity and all supplies cut off. In the middle of the night the entry to their house was blocked using rocks and cement. They were literally buried alive in their own home. Fortunately, the neighbour realised and was able to help them. Otherwise, what a tragedy that would have been. Is this humanity?
Despite the struggles that they face, the Palestinian people Muslim and Christians alike, are the most generous people that I have ever met in my life. I have lost count now of how many times vendors have refused to take money from me after purchasing something. I’ve had the same experience with Christian business owners. The same experience with children under the age of 10 years old. Their generosity and sense of giving is not something that is taught, it is in their blood. When they say they don’t want anything of this world, they mean it with all of their being. How can you defeat such a people?

Reflections

1. To put it simply, I have never witnessed first hand a community such as the settlers who have come to Palestine. The lengths that they go to just to harm the Palestinians are beyond belief. This level of oppression has to be challenged by all of us, in every capacity that we can.

2. Keep smiling. The Palestinians are always smiling, even though they live in such a situation. It is their way of showing their oppressors that they will never be broken, and showing their Lord that they are grateful for whatever they have.

3. Give to your family, your community, your colleagues, strangers, everyone. Giving does not decrease from one’s own wealth. By giving one can achieve true fulfilment and endless bounty from their Lord.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most holy site for Christians around the world

Al Aqsa Reflections 6
The 27th night of Ramadhan is a special occasion in Masjid Al-Aqsa. People travel far and wide from all over Palestine, flocking to the third holiest site in Islam. For many of these people, it is the only opportunity that they have during the year to visit Al-Aqsa. Estimates suggest that around 250,000 people visited Al-Aqsa during Laylatul Qadr, but it is difficult to know how accurate these estimates are. Those who have been present in previous years suggest that the number is lower this year, though you would not have thought it when seeing that every available space in the entire compound was being prayed upon.
In terms of the time period that people remained in the compound, it was essentially from Fajr on the 26th day of Ramadhan (which was also the day of Jumu’ah) until Fajr on the 27th day of Ramadhan. What is interesting is that the crowd after each of these fajr salaahs was bigger than any other I had seen during my time in Al-Aqsa. After fajr salaah had finished, the area between Masjid Qibli and Dome of the Rock was so packed that there was not a single space where the ground could be seen from overhead. The energy was electric and infectious. The crowd chantedبروح بدم نفيدك يا اقصىThis translates to: We will sacrifice our soul and our blood for you O Aqsa. Note, there was no violence or aggression and no Israeli soldiers were present within the confines of the compound, as they remained on the perimeters at the entry gates. Unsurprisingly, they had to display some element of force. On both nights, a drone was sent to the area between Al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock. The drone was used to drop tear gas onto the crowd. It was my first experience of this, and it really does sting the eyes and nose, makes you cough and burns your skin. One can only imagine what is dropped from the skies in combat zones.

Reflections:

1. You have to experience 27th night in Al-Aqsa. Though I am against the idea of visiting Al-Aqsa in general as a ‘bucket list trip’, being here on the 27th night should definitely be on that list.

2. Tear gas may not kill, but it is nasty.

3. Regardless of the threat, every Palestinian is ready to lay down their life for Al-Aqsa. This explains why their country may be occupied, but Al-Aqsa still firmly belongs to the Muslims.

A view of the Al-Aqsa compound from overhead on the 27th night of Ramadhan

Al Aqsa Reflections 1

Hafidh Farhaan Jamadar, Ramadhan 1445/2024

Having arrived in Jerusalem last night, there are a number of perspectives I could start with. From the stories of the prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, and also those in the Bible and Torah, there are a plethora of prophets who have walked on this blessed land. Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), Zakariyya (Zachariah), Yaqub (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph) and the list goes on. Despite the magnanimity of these chosen men from our past, who each have their own unique story and contribution to mankind, it is the story of a woman that has me most awestruck.
She is none other than Maryam (Mary), daughter of Imran and Hanna, the only woman to be mentioned by name in the Qur’an. Today we were able to catch a glimpse into her private chamber in Al-Aqsa. Her mother Hanna had promised to offer her child to the services of the Temple when she was still expecting. The custom of the time meant that this would only have been done for a male child. Nonetheless, despite her disappointment, Hanna fulfilled her promise and sent Maryam to Al-Aqsa where it was decided that her maternal uncle Prophet Zachariah would be her custodian.
Zakariyya, who had reached old age, was the only person with a key to the chamber of Maryam. The Qur’an relates how he would be shocked by what he would often find therein. Maryam’s devotion to Allah and connection with the Almighty was unmatched. She would be blessed with sustenance, such as fruits which were out of season, which could only have been through divine ordinance.
When she was of the age of 17, she was visited by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), who gave her glad tidings of a son. Maryam enquired how this could be so, since she had never had relation with a man. But as Allah had provided sustenance for her without the apparent necessary means, He had also chosen a special woman to carry a special child without the need for a father.
Maryam’s shyness led her to leave Al-Aqsa for the birth of her baby, and retreat to solitude in Bethlehem. Upon her return to Al-Aqsa with her son, she was immediately targeted with the most heinous accusation for a chaste women. In response to this, Maryam was ordered to remain silent by Allah, and she simply pointed at her child. Here Isa, the boy born of a miraculous birth, was given his first miracle. A child of a mere few earthly days said ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the book and made me a messenger.’

Reflections:

1. Sometimes we plan and we think that a thing is good for us. Then, reality plays out in contrast to what we planned and we may perceive this negatively. However, just as Hanna’s disappointment at the birth of a daughter was actually the birth of probably the greatest woman who has ever lived, it may be that our disappointments are soon replaced by something which is far better than that which we had planned for ourselves.

2. As for the divine sustenance which Maryam was receiving in her chamber, Muslims believe that each iota of sustenance, whether it be food, drink, wealth, family or emotion, is allocated by Allah. Instead of worrying about things that are beyond our control, we should focus on working hard to attain that which is good for us in this life and the hereafter, alongside recognising that Allah is the sole sustainer by asking from Him alone.

3. Finally, when we are accused of that which we have not done or labelled with tags that are false or inaccurate, is it always necessary for us to respond? Especially when we know that our response will have no bearing on the opposite party, regardless of how eloquent it is or how much it is supported by evidence. Sometimes it is better for the eventual outcome to do the talking. This is why we still talk about Isa (Jesus) and Maryam (Mary) to this day, peace and salutations be upon them both.

A look into the private chamber or Maryam (AS) within Al-Aqsa

Al-Aqsa Reflections 2
Today we had the opportunity to travel outside Jerusalem and visit areas of the West Bank such as Hebron.
My immediate thought is that the people living here are severely disadvantaged and in an extremely difficult situation compared to our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem benefit from the external visitors, who are able to contribute economically but also socially by contributing to an energy which includes love, solidarity and unity. On the other hand, the economic opportunities are few and far between in the West Bank. Many tourists are discouraged from visiting due to the surveillance and checkpoints. I heard stories of many Palestinian women having to give birth at the checkpoints due to the excessive and unnecessary delays at the checkpoints when trying to access hospitals.
We were invited to visit a centre facilitating for disabled people, which was a real eye opener. The smallest of blessings which Allah has bestowed us with and which we have never been grateful for, is a blessing that they they have never experienced. Further exploring the local areas in the West Bank exposed the scarceness of opportunity here. The desperate situation of the youth means that they may never be exposed to even a fractional percentage of the opportunities that we have as Muslims in the West. Their deteriorating situation over the decades, which has been implemented by design, leaves them with nothing but the pride of their homeland, resentment towards their occupier and hope in the mercy of their Lord the Almighty.
Masjid Ibrahim, the resting place of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is located in Hebron in the West Bank. How great must a man have been that Allah honoured him by guaranteeing that each practising person of the Ummah will send salutations upon Ibrahim (AS) and his family multiple times during every salah daily. His life of courage and determination was encapsulated by the myriad of sacrifices that he made for the sake of Allah.

Reflections:1.

Our brothers and sisters in humanity and in Islam need us, more so in the areas of Palestine that have suffered and continue to suffer the most. As Muslims we may regularly travel to our countries of origin, chase temporary luxury in places like Dubai or spend lavishly to sit on white sand beaches. The reality is that we must visit Palestine and contribute with all we have wholeheartedly.

2. We don’t know what it means to be grateful, we will probably never be in a situation which truly tests our gratitude. The smallest glimpse is when we fast between fajr and sunset and feel a little hunger or thirst, despite knowing that a banquet awaits us at iftaar. If there is anything that I would like to take away from today, it is to be grateful to Allahوان شكرتم لازيدنّكم And if you are grateful, I will give you more…

3. What made Ibrahim (AS) so great? Why is he known as khaleel-Allah, the friend of Allah? What did he do in his life to attain such a level, that even today the 3 major religions of the world are known collectively using his name? In short, he was willing to sacrifice at every turn, on the command of his Lord, even when it made zero logical sense. He went against his father and his tribe, he was thrown into a fire for angering the king and he even took a knife to sacrifice his own beloved son. To free ourselves from the shackles of mediocrity, we too must sacrifice.

The rehabilitation centre for people suffering with disabilities in Hebron

Al-Aqsa Reflections 3
On the third day of reflection, I would like to take the time to focus on Al-Aqsa, the primary destination of this entire journey. It is the first qibla, the second masjid to ever be built and the third holiest site in Islam.
The first point to discuss, is what exactly constitutes Masjid Al Aqsa? Is it the dome of the rock? Is it Masjid Qibli where all salah take place? Or is it something else, maybe hidden underground? In short, the entire compound which is demarcated by the unmistakeable stone walls is Masjid Al Aqsa. According to our beloved Nabi Muhammad (SAW), there is not the area of a single hand span within Al-Aqsa except that a Prophet prayed in it or an angel stood on it. Just doing ziyarah of all the different monuments and significant landmarks within Al-Aqsa requires several days, such is its rich history and deep connection with all of the Prophets of Allah.
The people who safeguard Al-Aqsa, the Palestinian people, are a people who have truly been blessed with unique qualities by Allah. They express themselves with a warmth that is seldom found in any other corner of the Earth. Their love for Al-Aqsa is undeniable and unshakable, to even say that they would be willing to sacrifice themselves for the protection of this sacred place would be a disservice. It is much much more than that. For centuries, they have hosted travellers here from all over the world, offering a level of hospitality that is unmatched. Their energy is infectious and their deep rooted love for their homeland simply cannot be expressed in words.
One of the most unique things about Masjid Al-Aqsa, particularly in Ramadhan during the time of my visit, is the family atmosphere that buzzes throughout the Al-Aqsa compound and the city of Jerusalem. The sight of thousands of families gathering between Asar and Maghrib for iftaar is breathtaking, it demonstrates the fact that Al-Aqsa is their home more than their places of residence. Since I have been here, I have not seen or heard a single instance of gentle rebuke within the compound, let alone harsh admonishment. Every day without fail, we have been invited for iftaar by the locals. This leaves us feeling in a deficit, having taken so much when we imagined we were coming here to give.

Reflections 1.

There is no place like Masjid Al-Aqsa. This is the place where all the Prophets gathered and were led in salah by our beloved Muhammad (SAW). One who has love for Al-Aqsa will be loved in return multiple times over, and the one who disregards it is not needed by it, though he remains in need of it. It is our job to protect Al-Aqsa and when the Muslims return to the Qur’an and Sunnah, Al-Aqsa will be free.

2. Our Palestinian brothers and sisters have sacrificed everything that they have for centuries, for the love of Al-Aqsa and their homeland. You will not find a Palestinian home without a physical symbol related to Al-Aqsa. It is our duty to support them with whatever we have and benefit from the goodness and knowledge which they are so willing to give us.

3. If there is anything we can learn from our Palestinian brothers and sisters, it is to love one another as brothers and sisters in faith. If we cannot look each other in the eye and resolve petty disagreements, how could we ever stand shoulder to shoulder on the frontline to protect the borders of Islam, just as they have done and are doing to this very day.

Families making iftaar together around the dome of the rock, the central point of the Al-Aqsa compound