April 9, 2026

The Muslim Association of Canada condemns Israel’s closure of Masjid Al-Aqsa in occupied Jerusalem for the past 40 days and the continued restrictions preventing worshippers from accessing this holy mosque.

MAC calls on the Government of Canada to take a clear and principled stance in support of religious freedom and the protection of Masjid Al-Aqsa. The prolonged closure of Masjid Al-Aqsa cannot be justified as a matter of safety when it prevents worshippers from exercising their fundamental right to pray.

We further express alarm regarding the actions of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who entered the Masjid Al-Aqsa compound while Muslims remain barred from access. Reports that authorities may allow Israeli settlers to continue daily incursions raise serious concern that ongoing violations of the site’s sanctity could contribute to the gradual erosion and potential damage of Masjid Al-Aqsa, threatening its preservation as one of Islam’s holiest places.

Masjid Al-Aqsa holds a sacred and irreplaceable place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, serving as an enduring symbol of faith and spiritual connection.

 The Qur’an reminds us of the sanctity of Masjid Al-Aqsa:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

 “Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muḥammad˺ by night from Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām to Al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, whose surroundings We have blessed…”
 (Qur’an 17:1)

Islam teaches that places of worship are to be protected and respected. The Qur’an reminds us:

وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا

 “…had Allah not repelled some people by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is often mentioned, would have been demolished…”
 (Qur’an 22:40)

These values uphold that Masjid Al-Aqsa must remain safe and open, asserting freedom of worship as a universal, protected right.

For generations, the status of Masjid Al-Aqsa as an Islamic holy site administered by Muslim religious authorities has been recognized in international law and affirmed in United Nations resolutions and agreements. Respecting and maintaining this arrangement is critical for preserving the religious character and integrity of the site.

As a Canadian Muslim charity dedicated to the advancement of Islam and the service of the Muslim community, MAC underscores the profound moral imperative to safeguard the right of Muslims to access Masjid Al-Aqsa. Ensuring that worshippers can access places of worship peacefully remains a fundamental pillar of religious freedom and human dignity.