Masjid Al-sahabah
Emelia Lute
Alhamdulillah, we have been honoured to support Masjid Al-Aqsa for over a decade, through the dedication of generous donors. From renovating wudu areas, to repairing damaged sections, to illuminating its prayer halls - there are so many projects you have participated in!
The Dome of the Rock was built by the Ummayad ruler Abdul Malik ibn Marwan. It was originally wooden with either a brass, lead or ceramic cover. The iconic dome we all know was built almost a thousand years later during the reign of the Ottoman ruler, Sulaiman the Magnificent. The distinctive gold layer was added to the dome along with the Ottoman tiles to the facade of the building.
Though there is no accurate record of who and how many have been buried here, the burial ground in Al-Haram as-Sharif is the resting place for many prophets (as) and Sahabah of the Holy Prophet (saw).
For example, Ubadah ibn Samir (ra), who was the first Islamic judge in Masjid Al-Aqsa, is buried in the Bab ar-Rahmah Cemetery. This is the third most prominent graveyard in the Islamic world, after two famous graveyards in Makkah and Madinah - and alhamdulillah, it has been recently renovated by your donations through Muslim Hands.
Imad ad-Din Zengi, a member of the Turkish Zengid dynasty, had a special minbar built to be installed in Masjid Al-Aqsa. This minbar was not only beautiful, but it was made without using a single nail or bit of glue. Sadly, Imad ad-Din did not live to see the victory, but his protg Salahuddin fulfilled the wish of his teacher, and after liberating Jerusalem for the second time in the history of Islam, installed the minbar.
When the Romans exiled Jewish people from the city, the mainly Roman inhabitants used the area of Masjid Al-Aqsa as a garbage dump. When Umar (ra) opened city to Islam, he cleared the rubbish with his bare hands. He also ended the centuries-old exile of Jewish people, giving refugee families the right to reside in Jerusalem once again.
One of the most famous scholars in Islamic history, Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, spent a period of his life in Masjid Al-Aqsa where he wrote what is widely regarded as his greatest work, the Ihyaa Ulum Al-Din (The Revival of Religious Sciences). A building in the masjid marks the site of his old room.
In 1969 the entire Qibali Masjid was burnt down. The mosque has since been rebuilt, but this incident from the not-so-distant past shows just how important it is to look after the third holiest site in Islam. In fact, in 2019, we began fundraising to replace the entire lighting system in the Qibali Masjid, because the old system had not been replaced in 30 years and posed a risk of fire. We have just finished this work, alhamdulillah!
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Mufti Adams broad knowledge came across in his very inspirational messages in regards to this journey we were preparing ourselves for. His messages also made me realise how ignorant I was to the significance of Masjid Al Aqsa in Islamic History which inspired me to do my own research prior to visiting here.
We were all invited to attend a seminar 2 weeks prior to our journey. It was a beautiful opportunity to meet fellow brothers and sisters who we would be spending the next 7 days with. It also gave a hint of what to expect from Zaytoon Tours.
Having spoken to fellow U.K. tourists whilst over in Jerusalem, Alhumdulillah I feel so blessed to have booked with Zaytoon Tours. The value over the cost was exceptional. From the proximity of the hotel to the Masjid, the cleanliness of the hotel, 3 meals provided daily to air conditioned coach travel for all ziyaraat, I really could not have asked for much else from a hassle free all inclusive package.
We were slightly apprehensive before going due to recent world events but from the moment we got on the coach to Heathrow with Mufti Adam and the Zaytoon Tours team we felt at ease. Our preparation for the journey started about two months prior to the visit with daily bite-sized informatives about Al-Aqsa from Mufti Adam which were enlightening and helped to build our knowledge ahead of the visit. Also, the pre-visit seminar two weeks prior to the trip really helped in terms of what to expect and gave us an opportunity to meet and get to know people within our travel group.
We both found our visit to Al-Aqsa truly insightful and spiritually uplifting. We were blessed to be in wonderful group, where we all got on well together and under the guidance of Mufti Adam; whose knowledge, passion and wisdom, really added to our collective experience.
Initially apprehensive but there was no need. The team worked tirelessly to make our experience impeccable. It surpassed all our expectations in service and ease of travel. We were well informed on all aspects of our journey be it travel, ziyarat, History and spiritual awareness. The food was delicious with large portions! Alhamdulillah wonderful group and excellent team. Planning our next trip InshaAllah.
Anisa Teladia & Family
Perry Barr, Birmingham
Alhamdullilah every penny worth and if we get chance we will definitely go back with Zaytoon Tours and will encourage others to travel with Zaytoon Tours. May ASWT prosper Zaytoon Tours and give Barakah in your Academy ameen
Iqbal Shariff
Perry Barr, Birmingham
Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay at a family run hotel located within the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem serving the most delicious meals and offering a beautiful rooftop view of the surrounding area. Also only a few minutes walk from Masjid al Aqsa where you can easily offer your prayers.
The support group and tour team were MashaAllah amazing and they went above and beyond to ensure that we were all well looked after and safe. Every single one of our needs were taken care of and not a single detail was missed. This included transport, accommodation, food, comfort and safety. The professionalism, dedication and kindness they showed is something I have never witnessed or experienced before on any of my travels .
InshaAllah I would travel again with Zaytoon Tours in a heartbeat. From the moment you sign up, Mufti Adam, sends beautiful short daily reminders 60 days before departure to spiritually prepare you. Their extensive experience is evident as the whole tour from registration through to post travel support is perfectly crafted.
Assisted by Mufti Adam and his wonderful team, Alhamdulillah, it was my first time of visiting Masjid Al-Aqsa and right away the whole experience from beginning to end was very pleasant. From booking our trip to reaching the destination, the team made sure they everything was smooth without any hassle. JazakAllahu Khayran to you all. In Sha Allah we look forward to travelling again with you all next year.
Sheba Shah & family
Chelmsford, Essex
A dream come true when Allah subhanahu watallah chose me and my family to visit Palestine, Al Aqsa. I am grateful to my Lord for granting me the opportunity to travel with Zaytoon Tours. Mufti Adam and the team have been fantastic in every single way. I cannot praise them enough. Their professionalism and attention to detail in my opinion is second to none. I have always had utter respect for Mufti Adam from the moment he came into our community, Almighty Allah has given us a gem SubhanAllah. I urge everyone to travel with Zaytoon Tours, Mufti Adam, my words are not enough to express the experience that I have had on this spiritual journey. The best decision I have ever made with the best team, to the best people (Palestinians). Alhamdulillah
Saika Bi & family
Perry Barr, Birmingham
Our trip to Al-Aqsa in May 2024 was more than an experience, in fact it was an opportunity for me personally to reconnect with my creator, Almighty Allah who has showered us with countless blessings to which I am grateful.
Quality Palestinian food was also provided during lunch times along with occasional snacks throughout our journey, the group also took us to local restaurants to experience the culture at no extra cost.
Mufti Sahibs knowledge and experience of the places we visited is something money cannot buy, and I personally believe that our money was well spent and even if we had returned back home after the first day at the Al-Aqsa Masjid, then the trip would have paid for itself, thankfully for us we had another 6 days after the first day which got better and better every day.
Mufti Adam, his wife and his team Omar, Moaaz and Usama were absolutely fantastic, taking care of every need, taking everything in their stride, even when dealing with a tired, hungry and sometimes energetic group.
I had the opportunity to go with Zaytoon tours to Palestine with my family. This was a spiritual journey that we all learned and appreciated a lot with what Zaytoon had to offer.
Sarmed Hanif
Perry Barr, Birmingham
We attend a seminar roughly two weeks before leaving which is so beneficial. The whole group are together and we are given information on what to expect for our trip. Any questions individuals may have are answered and you just feel so more relaxed at the end of it because of how well everything is organised.
We have a study circle every day after Fajr. And we go on daily Ziyarat after Zuhr. The study circle is normally around the Ziyarat so we have a good understanding from a foundation level which ultimately improved the experience when we go to these different places. Alhamdulillah.
Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah, firstly, I cannot thank Allah enough for allowing me to visit the blessed lands of Al-Aqsa. I always knew whenever I did visit Al-Aqsa, I would be going with Zaytoon Tours. I had heard a lot of positive feedback from others who had travelled with the team before.
The team (Fatima, Omar, Moaaz, and Usama) are very accommodating to everyone needs. They really do make themselves really approachable and are always willing to help. May Allah accept their efforts. Ameen