AL-AQSA MOSQUE FROM THE PERIOD OF THE ABBASID CALIPHATE TO THE CRUSADERS’ INVASION: ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study focuses on the history of the most significant religious sites in Palestine under the Abbasid rule, namely in AL Aqsa Mosque. This study introduces a precise architectural and historical description of Al- Aqsa Mosque and also the reforms and changes made during the Abbasid , Ayyubid and Fatimid eras, especially after the consecutive earthquakes which hit Al- Aqsa Mosque. Precisely speaking, due to the destruction of Al-Aqsa by the earthquakes, the efforts of the Muslim rulers were exerted to rebuild the renovate the mosque and its precincts. This consolidation of efforts has stemmed from the religious and spiritual values ingrained in the heart and the belief of every Muslim towards Al-Aqsa. It is the third holiest site in Islam ( after Mecca and Medina). It is the first Muslim Qibla ( destination in prayers) .In this paper, the researcher urges the Muslim rulers to follow the suit of their Islamic predecessors.