Personal Testimony

“I first travelled to Al Masjid Al Aqsa in April 2007 at the age of 21, and have since been back on 6 or 7 occasions, with my last 2 trips being in Ramadan 2014 and in August 2015.

For me personally, having been blessed to have travelled to many countries across the world (including making trips to Makkah and Madinah on more than 10 occasions), I feel that the most enjoyable and peaceful experience I have is in Al Masjid Al Aqsa.

There are numerous reasons for this – perhaps the tranquility of Al Aqsa being spread over 144,000 sq metres with beautiful tree shrubs and children playing in the courtyard being one; perhaps the ability to pray every salaah in the first row (due to how quiet it is because of Israeli restrictions on Palestinians worshipping there*) being another; or perhaps it’s just because when I’m in Palestine and in Al Masjid Al Aqsa, I feel that I’m actually making a difference to the lives of Palestinians and am constantly engaged in an act of Ibadaah just by being there and supporting the ummah. I’ve actually lost track of the number of times that local Palestinians have told me how much it means for them to see a foreign Muslim visiting – and how much comfort and happiness it brings them.

In addition to all of the above, there is also so much to see and experience in Palestine besides the hugely appealing nature of praying in Al Masjid Al Aqsa and gaining 500x reward for each salaah! Amongst these other attractions are the numerous historical sites that one may visit, the ability to try some of the best fresh fruits (many of which are mentioned in Quran) and cuisine, and the chance to meet some truly inspiring and beautiful people – the Palestinians really are an amazing people!

I’ve never met anyone that’s been to Palestine and been disappointed. So what’s holding you back from going?”

Brother Abdullah from UK – written in April 2016

*Usually Israelis do not allow Palestinians to offer salaah at Al Masjid Al Aqsa unless they have a special residence permit and are between the ages of 15-50. As a result, Al Masjid Al Aqsa masjid is v quiet – with the exception of Jummah and some of the last 10 nights in Ramadan (when some restrictions are eased).