Srinagar, April 5 -- The religious and historical significance of Masjid alAqsa, (The Farthest Mosque), also known as Bait al Maqdis is not lost on any Muslim. It occupies an important place in Muslim history, heritage, culture and religion. Located in Jerusalem, it is the third holiest place for Muslims. In fact it is important and sacred for followers of all the three Abrahimic faiths: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The Mosque with a silver colour dome is situated on the Temple Mount. Throughout its history, the city of Jerusalem has been ruled by Muslims, Christians and now Jews.

For Muslims, Al Aqsa is not only their first Qibla, the place facing which they would offer prayers, but is significant also because Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh...