While the Dome of the Rock was constructed as a mosque to commemorate the Prophet's Night Journey, the building known as Al-AQSA Mosque became a centre of worship and learning, attracting great teachers from all over the world.
 

It has been modified several times to protect it from earthquakes, which sometimes occur in the area, and to adapt to the changing needs of the local population. The form of the present structure has remained essentially the same since it was reconstructed by the Khalif Al-Dhahir in 1033 AD. It is said that he did not alter it from the previous architecture except to narrow it on each side. 

After completion of the Dome of the Rock, construction began at the site of the original timber mosque built in the time of 'Umar. A vast congregational mosque rose up, accommodating more than five thousand worshippers. Originally commissioned by 'Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, it was apparently completed by his son Al-Walid in 705AD.

Al-Aqsa Mosque - West Elevation

The building became known as Masjid al-AQSA, Al-AQSA Mosque, although in reality the whole area of the Noble Sanctuary is considered Al-AQSA Mosque, the entire precincts inviolable according to Islamic law. Every Friday prayer, the Al-AQSA Mosque building overflows, with thousands of worshippers who must make their prayers outside in the courtyards of the vast open expanse of the Noble Sanctuary.
 

Since 1967, Al-Aqsa mosque been the target of several attempts by the occupation authorities to destroy or burn it, including several attempts to bring about its collapse through underground excavations. During 2005 new attempts been made by a group of people known as "Temple Lunatics' to storm the area, but were foiled by Israeli government.
 

The Jerusalem Islamic Supreme Council had repeatedly warned against such activities. On August 21, 1969, an attempt was made to burn Al-Aqsa mosque. The U.N. has passed a resolution on Number 1512, condemning Israel for the attempt and calling for preserving Jerusalem's entity and its holy sites. Zionists believe Al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock mosques should be dismantled to build the temple mount instead.

Above images are the contribution of Thekra A. Sabri