Qibli Prayer Hall
The roofed building on the qibla (southern) side of Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the familiar lead dome seen in photographs.
The name Al-Aqsa Mosque is given to the entire compound and all it contains. The Qibli prayer hall is the roofed building in the south, and in many photographs it appears with a lead dome different from the Dome of the Rock’s golden dome.
Why does the distinction matter?
Because knowledge begins with naming. Whoever says «Al-Aqsa» meaning only the building overlooks the courtyards, domes, and gates. Whoever does not know the Qibli hall does not understand images of the Haram.
Closing
The prayer halls page in the Al-Aqsa section places this building within a wider map.