Exposing Islam

Unveiling the Truth:

The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Perpetual Myth of Danger

Introduction: The Weaponized Myth of Al-Aqsa

For decades, the cry that "Al-Aqsa is in danger" has echoed across the Middle East, inciting violence, spreading hatred, and fueling a never-ending conflict. This myth has been wielded like a weapon by extremists, not as a call for protection, but as a tool for incitement. Most recently, it was used as a pretext for a brutal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a coordinated ground and air attack, murdering 1,145 civilians — men, women, children, and the elderly. The Israeli response, Operation Swords of Iron, was not just a defense against terrorism but a battle against a lie that has incited bloodshed for nearly a century.

But where did this myth come from? How has it been manipulated? And why does it continue to endanger lives today? This post exposes the truth about Al-Aqsa and the Temple Mount, debunking the myths that extremists rely on.

1. The Myth of Al-Aqsa in Danger: A Political Weapon

The claim that "Al-Aqsa is in danger" did not originate with genuine concern for the mosque but as a deliberate propaganda tool. This narrative can be traced back to the 1920s, when Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and a notorious anti-Semitic propagandist, began spreading false stories that Jews were planning to destroy the mosque.

Haj Amin al-Husseini’s Campaign:
- Al-Husseini used the “Al-Aqsa in danger” narrative to incite riots in 1929, leading to the massacre of Jewish civilians in Hebron.
- His propaganda claimed Jews were attacking Islamic holy sites, despite there being no such threat.
- He continued this incitement throughout his career, even collaborating with Nazi Germany during World War II, where he promoted the extermination of Jews.
The Myth Lives On:
- The same narrative has been revived in the 21st century, used by groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to stir hatred and violence.
- Social media is now a powerful platform for spreading this myth to a global audience, fueling anti-Semitic attacks worldwide.

2. Historical Reality: The Jewish Connection to the Temple Mount

While the myth of “Al-Aqsa in danger” is a lie, the historical connection between the Jewish people and the Temple Mount is a well-documented fact:

The Temple Mount: The Holiest Site in Judaism:
- It is the site of the First Temple built by King Solomon around 957 BCE, and the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.
- For centuries, Jews prayed for the restoration of their temple and faced Jerusalem during prayer.
Muslim Conquest and the Construction of Al-Aqsa:
- The Al-Aqsa Mosque was not built until around 705 CE, nearly seven centuries after the destruction of the Second Temple.
- Early Islamic sources did not even recognize Al-Aqsa as significant until political circumstances made it useful.
1967: Israel’s Control and the Status Quo:
- After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel gained control of Jerusalem.
- In an unprecedented gesture of peace, Israel allowed the Islamic Waqf to maintain administrative control over the Temple Mount, preserving Muslim access and rights to worship.

3. How the Al-Aqsa Myth Has Fueled Violence

The false claim that “Al-Aqsa is in danger” has been directly responsible for multiple waves of violence:

The 1929 Hebron Massacre: Incited by al-Husseini’s propaganda, resulting in the brutal slaughter of 67 Jews.
The Second Intifada (2000): Sparked by false claims that Israel planned to destroy Al-Aqsa, leading to years of violence and thousands of deaths.
Recent Attacks (2023): Hamas and other extremists invoked the “Al-Aqsa in danger” slogan to justify rocket attacks and terror attacks against Israeli civilians.

4. Exposing the Hypocrisy: Who Really Endangers Al-Aqsa?

Terrorists Using Al-Aqsa as a Base: Militants have stored weapons, launched attacks, and incited violence from within the Al-Aqsa compound.
Desecration by Extremists: Rioters have brought stones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails into the sacred site, using it as a battleground.
Israel’s Consistent Protection: Despite endless accusations, Israel has maintained the status quo, ensuring Muslim access to the mosque and protecting the rights of worshipers.

5. The Real Danger: Lies, Not Attacks

The greatest threat to Al-Aqsa is not from Israel but from the extremists who turn it into a weapon. By perpetuating the “Al-Aqsa in danger” myth, they endanger the mosque itself, transforming a house of worship into a battleground. The lies they spread not only endanger Jews but also incite hatred and violence against Muslims, Christians, and anyone who opposes their extremist agenda.

6. Conclusion: Exposing the Lie to Prevent More Bloodshed

The myth that “Al-Aqsa is in danger” is not a cry for protection but a battle cry of hatred. It is a weaponized lie that has caused thousands of deaths, ignited wars, and continues to poison the minds of millions. Understanding the truth is the first step toward peace.

Al-Aqsa is not in danger from Israel — it is in danger from those who use it as a tool of violence, propaganda, and hatred. Only by exposing this lie can we hope to break the cycle of bloodshed.