Baitul Muqaddas is the third holiest place for Muslims, after Kabah and Masjid-an-Nabawi. Before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, he used to offer prayers in the direction of Baitul Muqaddas. After almost two years of migration, Allah ordered to change the Qibla from Baitul Maqdis to Makkah. This shows the importance of Makkah and Baitul Maqdis for Muslims. Allah sent many of his prophets to this holy land, including Hazrat Dawood (AS), Hazrat Suleiman (AS), Hazrat Isa (AS), and many others. Historically this land holds very close ties with Islam. Many of Allah’s messengers strived all their lives to spread the word of Allah. Makkah and Baitul Maqdis, therefore, are ingrained in Islam since the beginning.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed upon his companions to never forget Baitul Maqdis. It is believed that the prayer in Baitul Maqdis is equal to 250 prayers anywhere else. Muslims all over the world hold a firm stance on preserving the sanctity of Baitul Maqdis and protecting it at all costs.

Bait-ul-Muqaddas holds a very sacred place for Muslims. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) laid great stress on his companions to protect the holy mosque no matter what. Before Allah commanded Muslims to face the Holy Kabah, the believers prayed in the Bait ul Muqaddas direction.

Baitul Maqdis is such a revered place for Muslims as hundreds of Allah’s prophets and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rest in peace there.

The Holy Quran mentions Makkah and Baitul Maqdis in many places. Allah refers to Masjid al Aqsa as a “blessed place” in the Holy Quran. Allah mentions it, directly and indirectly, a total of seventy times.

The significance of Baitul Maqdis is so immense that Allah revealed Surah Al-Isra to explain the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Masjid-al-Aqsa. That night Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all the prophets and messengers of Allah in prayers at Bayt ul Maqdis. It was this mosque from where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens that night. Particularly, the Dome of Rock is the place from where he ascended to the skies. Hence both Makkah and Baitul Maqdis are very sacred for Muslims.