According to Rahyafte(the missionaries and converts website):With the emergence of Islam until the second year of the Hijra (migration), Masjid al-Aqsa was considered the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. It was not until the divine command, when the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was praying at the Masjid Bani Salimah (known as Dhul-Qiblatayn) in Medina, that the qibla for Muslims changed from Masjid al-Aqsa to the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
The Land of Isra and Mi’raj
Jerusalem, due to the presence of the Dome of the Rock and Masjid al-Aqsa, shone brightly among all the lands during the miraculous Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj) of the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him. With the conclusion of the earthly journey and the Prophet’s night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa and his visit to various points within the Masjid al-Aqsa, Bethlehem, the homes of the prophets, and their relics, the journey ascended from the Dome of the Rock to the heavens until no one but the Almighty God was present.
The Third Holiest City
In Islam, Jerusalem is the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina, sanctified by the existence of the Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque.
Part of the Islamic Heritage
Throughout history, Jerusalem has often been under Muslim rule, and most of its residents have been Arabs and Muslims. The majority of its sacred sites are Islamic in origin. The occupation of Jerusalem by Zionists through war and aggression is unacceptable to Muslims because, according to Islamic laws, an Islamic land should not be under the rule of non-Muslims. The loss of Jerusalem from Muslim control was a severe blow to Muslims.
