Masjid Al-Aqsa vs The dome of the rock

When I was young I really thought that the dome of the rock is actually Masjid Al-Aqsa The main reason behind this thought was because the mass Arabic media tend to put the image of the Dome of the rock whenever there is a conflict in Jerusalem, Palestine or Al-Aqsa.

The Al-Aqsa Masjid which is the third most important place in the world for Muslims is different from the Dome of the Rock, which also has religious significance for Muslims, and is called the Masjid Qubbat As-Sakhrah, but it is not Al-Aqsa Masjid. These are two completely separate structures. And this is a common mistake amongst Muslims. Since they are located in the same complex, people assume that the Dome of the Rock is Al-Aqsa Masjid, which is completely not true. The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is located in Jerusalem also known as al-Quds or Bayt al-Muqaddas, the capital of Palestine.

Please see the photo below to understand the difference. We have an obligation as Muslims to represent the truth and educate our children about our values.

DID YOU KNOW...

• The Khalifah Umar bin Khattab began the foundation of Masjid Al Aqsa and a timber mosque was built.
  
  
• The Umayyad Khalifah, Abd' al Malik ibn Marwan in 691/2 [72/73 AH] began the construction of, Dome of the Rock - today this is the Golden Domed Mosque.
  
  
• The al Buraq wall or Western Wall where Prophet Muhammad tied his animal the Buraq on the night journey of al Isra.
  
  
• Israel occupied Masjid Al Aqsa in 1967.
  
  
• The Masjid al Aqsa is the second house of prayer established on earth: The Masjid-al-Aqsa was the First Qibla (the direction to which Muslims faced when praying Salaah): The centrality, historical and cultural significance of Masjid al Aqsa is further emphasised by the fact that Muslims used to turn towards Jerusalem when they prayed.