I would like to ask about the history of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Aqsa Mosque was the first Qibla of the Prophets, and the third mosque to which journeys are undertaken. Al-Qurtubi and others mentioned, when interpreting the verse: (Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds) [Al-Imran: 96], that the first House placed on earth for worship was the Sacred House of Allah in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, followed by Al-Aqsa Mosque forty years later.
It is authentically reported in Sahih Muslim that Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) about the first mosque built on earth. He said: "Al-Masjid Al-Haram." I said: "Then which?" He said: "Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa." I said: "How many years were between them?" He said: "Forty years."
Although Sulaiman (peace be upon him) built Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Ibrahim (peace be upon him) built Al-Masjid Al-Haram, this does not contradict the mentioned time period, because Ibrahim and Sulaiman were not the first to build these two mosques. Rather, they renovated their structures upon foundations laid by those who preceded them, such as Adam (peace be upon him) or the angels.
Ali (may Allah honor his countenance) mentioned that Allah commanded the angels to build a house on earth before the creation of Adam, then Adam built from it and circumambulated it, then the prophets after him, then Ibrahim (peace be upon him) completed its construction. This is what the noble verse alludes to: (And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept from us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.") [Al-Baqarah: 127].
In summary: Al-Aqsa Mosque was built forty years after Al-Masjid Al-Haram, and those who built them were either the angels or Adam (peace be upon him) and his descendants.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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