This section explores the profound history, spiritual importance, and timeless values of masjid al aqsa, emphasizing its role as a beacon of faith and unity for generations. According to islamic tradition, a small prayer hall (musalla), what would later become the al-aqsa mosque, was built by umar, the second caliph of the rashidun caliphate. Since 1967, when israel illegally occupied the west bank and gaza strip, the israeli occupation authorities have frequently committed egregious violations against jerusalem's holy sites, including.