Amman, April 9 (Petra) -- Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalaileh on Thursday said the reopening of the al-Aqsa Mosque marks the resumption of religious life and the return of worshippers to perform prayers following a closure that lasted more than 40 days.

In a statement, Khalaileh highlighted Jordan’s efforts, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, to reopen the mosque, within the framework of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He said these efforts reflect the Kingdom’s continued commitment to safeguarding al-Aqsa and ensuring freedom of worship.

He added that thousands of worshippers began arriving in the early hours of Thursday in a scene reflecting the deep spiritual connection of Muslims to al-Aqsa and their adherence to their right to access the site and perform prayers.

Khalaileh said ministry staff is continuing to organize the entry of worshippers and ensure a suitable environment for prayer, stressing the importance of maintaining a consistent presence at the mosque and reinforcing ties to it despite ongoing challenges.

He reiterated that the entire 144-dunum compound of al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims, indivisible and not subject to sharing, rejecting any attempts to alter its identity or impose a different reality.

//Petra// AJ