Since the Zionist occupation of al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1948 and then in June 1967, the Zionists have tried to encroach upon the holy sanctuary. In recent days, they have escalated their encroachments, the latest being on November 25 when a group of Zionist squatters invaded the holy precinct.
Masjid al-Aqsa is the first qiblah and third holiest site for Muslims. The entire area that encompasses Masjid al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock (the gold dome) is referred to as al-Haram al-Sharif.
The latest encroachments got a boost with a bill being discussed in the Israeli Knesset (parliament) that would designate “time and space” for Jews wishing to pray there. Tensions have already been running high for several weeks since Zionist squatters invaded the Haram in October and then barged into Masjid al-Aqsa with their filthy boots, desecrating the place and violating its sanctity.
Sheikh Muhammed Hussein, head of the Supreme Muslim Council that manages al-Haram al-Sharif, upon learning of the Zionist draft law, said, “[The masjid] is part of our creed: it is expressly mentioned by name in the noble Quran.” To emphasize the gravity of the situation, he said “An Israeli aggression against the masjid and al-Haram al-Sharif is tantamount to attacking the Ka‘bah in Makkah, the most sacred spot in Islam.”
He expressed the hope that Muslims worldwide would not remain silent in the face of Zionist aggression and jingoism.
Source: Crescent International