S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Dome of the Rock is a Muslim shrine that was built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in AD 691. The Dome of the Rock is part of a larger Muslim holy area that takes up a significant portion of w...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the Dome of the Rock?

Having lived in KSA for 3 1/2 years, I learned a lot about the Muslim faith.

The Dome of the Rock is an octagonal Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, built in the late 7th century on the Temple Mount (also known as al-Ḥaram al-Sharīf). It is considered the world's oldest surviving piece of Islamic architecture and is built around a sacred rock where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven. The shrine is also holy in Judaism, as it is considered to be the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. 

This site is sacred to both Muslims and Jews, built on the site of the First and Second Jewish Temples. 

1: The Dome of the Rock commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's ascension to heaven during his Night Journey (Miʿraj), when he travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended from the rock to meet God. It also served as the first qibla (direction of prayer) in Islam before it was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca.

2: Judaism: The Foundation Stone is considered the holiest site in Judaism and is believed to be the place where the world was created. It is also thought to be the site of the Holy of Holies of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem.

3: Christianity: The site holds significance for Christians as the location where Abraham is said to have prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac. In the Middle Ages, Crusaders identified the Dome of the Rock with the Temple of Solomon and used it as a church. 

4: The building is octagonal and topped with a golden dome. Its interior and exterior are adorned with intricate mosaics and Quranic calligraphy. 

5: The shrine was built between 691 and 692 by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik. 

5: It has a complex history, including being used by the Crusaders as a church for a period before being recaptured by Muslims. The current gold dome is a reconstruction, funded by King Hussein of Jordan, who sold one of his homes to help finance it. 

A Non-Muslim can enter the mosque, but first you have to wash your hands, face, and mouth, then you take off your shoes and wash your feet. This is done by wetting your hands and wiping your feet. You then leave your shoes at the front entrance and collect them on your way out. You can walk around the mosque, but not take photos. Also, you are not allowed to touch the Quran, but you can look at the open pages. You cannot enter during prayer times, as this is for Muslims to pray. Also, you cannot talk loudly, and you must respect the entire building at all times.

Note, there is also a sign on the outside explaining what can be done and what cannot be done.

Jews and Christians are generally restricted from entering for extended periods and may only visit the site as tourists, as the Status Quo only permits Muslim prayer on the Temple Mount; Jewish entry restrictions are also dependent on the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, which holds the position that entering the site. Prayer or worship goes against Jewish law.

8 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report