During the 20-minute visit, Ali also enjoyed a panoramic view of George Town, the Malacca Strait and the two bridges from Lim’s office on the 28th floor of Komtar.
“MashaAllah, this is beautiful. Penang is blessed,” Ali said.
Lim said Ali had stopped to see Penang during his visit to Malaysia.
“We are very pleased to receive imam Ali in Penang and Malaysia.
“During our short meeting, he praised Penang for respecting Muslims and non-Muslims.
“We are thrilled to have someone of his stature set foot in Penang,” Lim said.
The al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest mosque in Islam.
Muslims believe the prophet Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque, Mecca, to al-Aqsa during the physical and spiritual journey of isra and mi’raj.
Prayers were held facing al-Aqsa before they were changed to face in the direction of the Kaabah following a revelation from Allah.