Source:
Justice Maulana Muhammad Taqi Usmani
Q:'al-Masjid-al-Aqsa mentioned in Surah Bani Isra'il of the Holy QurÂ’an
refers to a plot of land only, and there was no built mosque on that plot in
the days of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam). Is this correct? Is
the present Masjid built on the same plot? And who had built it first?
(A.S. Naviwala Karachi)
A. This is not correct. What we call it al-Masjid al-Aqsa today was originally
built by Sayyidna Dawood by Sayyidna Sulaiman. It was in the form of a mosque
even in the days of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam). Imam
Baghawri reports that when the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam)
informed the infidels of Makkah that he has been taken by Allah to
al-Masjid-al-Aqsa, they did not believe it and started asking him about the
details of the building of the mosque, and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi
Wassallam) gave then full account of the building. They asked him about the
minute details of the structure of the mosque and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho
Alaihi Wassallam)gave all their answers correctly. (See al-Tafsir al-Mazhari
v.5 p.402)
It is thus clear that al-Masjid al-Aqsa was not merely a vacant plot of land.
There was a mosque built over it. As mentioned earlier, the Masjid was
originally erected in the days of Dawood and Sulaiman Then; it has been
renovated several times. According to some reports this Masjid was distracted
when Sayyidna 'Umar took its charge. He builds it again, and then Abdul-Malik
ibn Marwan was the first Muslim ruler who had renovated it after Sayyidna Umar.
Q . In Western countries, Muslim parents arrange the marriage ceremony of
their sons and daughters in their Mosques because the option of renting a
suitable hall is generally not available, or affordable. The ceremony is
followed by music or dance programs at some places. Is it permissible to hold
such programs in the Mosques?
A. As for the solemnizing of marriage, holding it in Mosques is a recommended
practice according to the Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi
Wassallam). But, singing and dancing are not permissible under any condition.
Therefore, the holding of marriage ceremonies in Mosques, ceremonies which
include such forbidden and immodest practices is not permissible.
Q. "What is the correct term "Hajj-e-Akbar"? It is generally presumed that
the Hajj performed on Friday is called "Hajj-e- Akbar" and it is a superior
kind of Hajj as compared with the Hajj performed on other days of the week.
What is the correct position in Shariah?" (Ibid)
A. The term used in the Holy Quran is "al-hajj-al-Akbar". But it does not mean
a Hajj performed on Friday, as generally alleged by ignorant people. The Holy
Quran has used this term for the Hajj performed by the Muslims under the
supervision of Sayyidna Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A.) in the year 9 A.H.i.e. one year
earlier to the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet (Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam), and
this Hajj (the Hajj of 9 A.H.) was not performed on Friday. Still, the Holy
Quran has called it "al-Hajj-al- Akbar". It is clear from this that this term
has no reference to Friday.
The Correct meaning of the term, as explained by a large number of the
commentators of the Holy Quran is that the Umrah, which can be performed at any
time throughout the year, was generally called "al-hajj-Asghar" (the minor
Hajj). In order to distinguish hajj from Umrah the former was named
"al-Hajj-al-Akbar" (the greater hajj). Therefore, each and every hajj is
al-hajj-al-akbar, no matter whether it is performed on Friday or on any other
day. The word "Akbar" (greater) is used only to distinguish it from Umrah which
is a minor Hajj.
---------------------------------
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
