quizbowl

What was the first Qiblah that early Muslims prayed toward before the Ka’bah?

Masjid al-Aqsa

What was the religious reason early Muslims in Mecca could not pray at the Ka’bah in 614 CE?

It was surrounded by idols and controlled by polytheists.

In what year did Dr. Omar set the scene for early Muslims praying toward Jerusalem?

614 CE

What term refers to the night prayer that early Muslims would rise for before the 5 daily prayers were obligated?

Qiyam al-Layl (or Tahajjud)

Which Sahabi stated he was the last alive who had prayed toward both the first and second Qiblahs?

Anas ibn Malik

What vow did a companion make during the Conquest of Mecca concerning Al-Aqsa?

That he would pray two rak’ahs in Al-Aqsa if Mecca was opened.

What did the Prophet (PBUH) say when the companion insisted on fulfilling that vow?

“This is your burden now.”

What did a woman in Medina vow to do if she recovered from illness?

Travel to Al-Aqsa and pray two rak’ahs.

Which masjid did the Prophet say was better to pray in than traveling to Jerusalem, based on reward?

His own mosque in Medina (Masjid an-Nabawi)

What is the reward for praying in Masjid al-Haram?

100,000x

What is the reward for praying in Masjid an-Nabawi?

1,000x

What is the reward for praying in Masjid al-Aqsa?

500x or 250x (according to different narrations)

Name one reason why scholars gave varying numbers for the reward of prayer in Al-Aqsa.

Different hadith chains, obligatory vs. voluntary prayers, solitary vs. group prayer, or reward increasing over time.

What did the Prophet say about the future of Al-Aqsa’s value to believers?

A time will come when having a space to just see Al-Aqsa will be more beloved than the whole world.

What analogy did Dr. Omar use to contrast prayer struggle in Mecca vs. Al-Aqsa?

Comfortable hotel prayer vs. struggling through occupation and barriers.

What analogy did Dr. Omar use to contrast prayer struggle in Mecca vs. Al-Aqsa?

Comfortable hotel prayer vs. struggling through occupation and barriers.

If a Muslim cannot visit Al-Aqsa, what did the Prophet recommend they do instead?

Send oil for its lamps.

Who was the first person to light lamps in the Prophet’s mosque?

Tamim al-Dari

What do olives symbolize in the Qur’an in relation to Palestine?

Blessing (barakah) and sacredness

Why did Allah make Mecca barren but Jerusalem fertile, according to Dr. Omar?

To make Mecca purely spiritual and Jerusalem a contested but blessed land.

What verse in the Qur’an condemns preventing people from praying in sacred masjids?

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:114

What emotion does Dr. Omar say Muslims should feel when they see Al-Aqsa under occupation?

The same pain as seeing the Ka’bah desecrated.

What does it mean if someone is apathetic toward Al-Aqsa, according to Dr. Omar?

hypocrite and kafir

What is the name “Bayt al-Maqdis” translated to in English?

The House of Purity

In the Hadith narrated in the Battle of Tabuk, what was the first sign the Prophet listed before the Day of Judgment?

His own death

What was the second sign the Prophet listed in that same hadith?

The conquest of Jerusalem

What was the third sign mentioned in that hadith?

The conquest of Jerusalem

What was the third sign mentioned in that hadith?

A plague (Ta’un Amwas)

What Qur’anic verse refers to people not distracted by trade from remembering Allah?

Surah An-Nur 24:37

Which Prophet asked to die near, but not inside, the Holy Land?

Musa (Moses)

According to Hadith, where is Musa buried?

Near the red dunes, a stone’s throw from Jerusalem

What is the connection between Musa’s situation and modern Palestinians?

Many live close to Al-Aqsa but are barred from entering.

According to Hadith, how long after the Ka’bah was Al-Aqsa built?

40 years

Who do some scholars believe built Al-Aqsa after Adam?

Sheeth (Seth), son of Adam

Which Prophet raised both the Ka’bah and constructed Al-Aqsa?

Ibrahim (Abraham)

What were the names of his sons linked to each site?

Ismail (Mecca) and Ishaq (Jerusalem)

Which Prophet raised both the Ka’bah and constructed Al-Aqsa?

Ibrahim (Abraham)

What were the names of his sons linked to each site?

Ismail (Mecca) and Ishaq (Jerusalem)

Why is the Prophet Muhammad’s connection to both lineages important?

It proves he is a prophet for all nations, not just the Arabs.

What three things did Prophet Sulayman (as) ask for?

wisdom in judgement ; A kingdom no one else would have; Full forgiveness for sincere worshippers in Al-Aqsa

What did Abdullah ibn Umar avoid doing on his way to Al-Aqsa to preserve sincerity?

Drinking water to avoid distractions and remain focused on his goal.

What analogy does Dr. Omar use based on Ibn Umar’s action?

Be as sincere in activism for Palestine as Ibn Umar was in his intention.

What miracle cleared Tha’laba of false accusation?

Fish rose with the lost jewelry in their mouths.

What miracle cleared Tha’laba of false accusation?

“I’m from those who fight their beds at night with fear and hope.”

What final du’a does Dr. Omar make for the listeners?

That we be counted among those spiritually and physically connected to Al-Aqsa and remain loyal to it even when the world moves on.

What does “Bayt al-Maqdis” mean?

House of Purity

What does “Bayt al-Atiq” mean (Ka’bah)?

Ancient or House of Freedom

What is the meaning of “Al-Aqsa”?

The Farthest (Mosque)

What event included the Prophet’s travel from Mecca to Jerusalem and to the heavens?

Isra and Mi’raj

What three masjids did this journey spiritually link together?

Masjid al-Haram, Masjid al-Aqsa, Masjid an-Nabawi

What night prayer was made obligatory on this journey?

Salah (5 daily prayers)

Who was Prophet Sulayman’s father?

Prophet Dawud (David)

What judgment case established Sulayman’s wisdom?

The two women disputing over a child

What was Sulayman’s third du’a involving Al-Aqsa?

That those praying sincerely would leave free of sin

Which Prophet wished to die near Jerusalem?

Musa (as)

Which Sahabi wouldn’t drink water on the way to Al-Aqsa?

Abdullah ibn Umar

What item did the Prophet encourage people to send to Al-Aqsa?

Oil for its lamps