OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Islamic Higher Council in Jerusalem has called on Muslims to maintain a presence and observe the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, despite its closure by Israeli occupation forces for several days and the continued ban on worshippers entering the site.
In a statement, the council said that Israeli authorities have kept Aqsa Mosque closed since the dawn of the 21st day of Ramadan, preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing the holy site. It described the measure as a serious violation of freedom of worship at one of Islam’s holiest places.
The council added that the closure has prevented Friday prayers from being held at Aqsa twice during the holy month of Ramadan, first on the 17th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 6, 2026, and again on the 24th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 13, 2026, an unprecedented development in recent years.
The council stressed the importance of observing Laylat al-Qadr, which falls on the 27th night of Ramadan, urging worshippers to remain steadfast in their religious practices despite the restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.
It also noted that if Muslims are prevented from reaching Aqsa Mosque, they should pray wherever they are stopped, affirming that they will still receive the spiritual reward of praying at the Mosque.
