Al-Aqsa is the first Qiblah (direction of Prayer) of Muslims, and the land of Al-Israa‘ and Al-Mi`raj. Our hearts bleed for all the sacrilegious acts been perpetrated against Al-Aqsa.
The status of Al-Aqsa is clearly explained in the Hadith that reads: “People are not to travel except to three mosques: The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah), Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem), and my Mosque (in Madinah).”
Sheikh `Ikrima Sabri, the Mufti of Al-Quds and Khatib of Al-Aqsa Mosque, states the following: The buildings surrounding the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque are all considered an Islamic waqf (endowment) and have outlets that directly overlook Al-Aqsa Mosque such as doors and windows. Therefore, these buildings have the same legal status of Al-Aqsa in terms of holiness and sacredness. These buildings were built by our ancestors since the Ummayyd era passing through the Ottoman, Ayyubid, Mamluke and Turkish eras, with a view to protecting the mosque from avid invaders and the occupiers, so they actually act as a shield. Moreover, these buildings are mainly schools and centers for scholars and students.
Therefore, it is unlawful to seize any of these buildings and make them a Jewish synagogue; and we warn against taking such an aggressive step, for it is considered an imprudent sedition and a blind deviation from what is right. Moreover, these buildings have already been built on the corridors of Al-Aqsa Mosque from the northern and western sides. It is also unlawful to build in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque because they are all considered an Islamic waqf. I call on all citizens to be careful and be on their alert.
May Allah save you, Aqsa, from the conspiracies of the avid and from any aggression. It is Allah Who speaks the truth and guides to the right path.