Q: Was Masjid Al-Aqsa Built by Jinns?
A: Masjid Al-Aqsa was not originally built by the Jinns, however during the era of Hazrat Suleiman the Masjid was renovated with the help of Jinns. So yes, Jinns have played a role in the construction of the Masjid, but it cannot be solely attributed to them.
Detailed Answer:
Masjid Al-Aqsa has a very long and rich history, dating back to the period of Hazrat Adam. It has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt on many occasions, by many different Prophets and Caliphs of Islam. It is also important to understand that this Masjid has taken on many different forms across history. The famous Masjid Al-Aqsa of today, is a fairly recent creation.
Here is a rough timeline of events:
- Masjid Al Aqsa was first constructed by Prophet Adam, for which it lasted an unknown time. According to a Hadith, the Masjid Al-Aqsa was the second masjid to be created, with the first being the Holy Kabah.
- The Masjid was then rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim. It stood firm until the passing of Prophet Ishaq (AS) (son of Prophet Ibrahim).
- Over time, the foundation of Masjid Al Aqsa weakened and started to deteriorate, hence Allah commanded Hazrat Dawood (AS) to renovate Masjid Al Aqsa. However, Hazrat Dawood passed away before being able to complete the reconstruction.
- The task of completing the renovation of the Masjid Al-Aqsa was then passed on to Hazrat Dawood’s son, Hazrat Suleiman. As a Prophet with command over the Jinns, he commanded the Jinns to help with the stone foundations of the Masjid Al-Aqsa.
- The Masjid was then destroyed during the Fall of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (586 – 587 BC). A small prayer area was re-established here during the re-conquest of Jerusalem by Hazrat Umar, and a proper Masjid was reconstructed later in 705 AD during the Umayyad rule.
- The Masjid was destroyed or crippled many times after this, usually by earthquakes or conquests (Crusaders), until 1187 AD (re-capture of Jerusalem by Saladin). After this, the Masjid has continuously been renovated and expanded over the years, until its current form today.
As you can see, there are many parties who have played a role in the construction of the Masjid. Thus, it is inaccurate to say “Masjid Al-Aqsa Built by Jinns”. Instead, the sentence should be rephrased as something like “The Jinns played a role in the reconstruction of the Masjid under the command of Hazrat Suleiman”.
The Holy Quran says:
…”We subjected some of the jinn to work under him by his Lord’s Will. And whoever of them deviated from Our command, We made them taste the torment of the blaze.”
~ Surah Saba (34), Ayaat number 12.