Al-Azhar Rejects Calls for ‘Third Temple’, Reaffirms Islamic Sanctity of Al-Aqsa

IQNA – Al-Azhar Observatory has reiterated that Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East al-Quds is a sacred Islamic site whose status cannot be altered by religious claims or political power.

The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism issued a statement on Tuesday reaffirming that Al-Aqsa Mosque remains an inviolable Islamic endowment and holds deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide, Ahram Online reported.

This came in response to comments by Israeli Rabbi Menachem Brod, published on the Hebrew-language website Haredim 1, where he advocated for reinforcing the idea of rebuilding the so-called “Third Temple” in the Jewish collective memory.

According to the observatory, Brod’s article characterizes opposition to Jewish claims over the Temple Mount — the site of Al-Aqsa — as a “heavenly sign” encouraging Jews to reestablish a spiritual bond with the location.

Brod urged Jews to engage with the site's history and instill its significance in future generations, even without visiting.

He also referenced the 1967 slogan “The Temple Mount is in our hands,” portraying it as a turning point for Jewish religious awakening. Brod expressed belief that a future messianic figure would rebuild the Temple, which would serve as a unifying house of worship.

In response, Al-Azhar condemned these remarks as part of an extremist narrative that seeks to justify occupation under religious pretexts. The observatory emphasized that while Islam respects all prophets, Al-Aqsa remains a non-negotiable Islamic trust.

Source: Agencies