Dome of the rock jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is a 7th-century Islamic shrine on the Temple Mount, famous for its golden dome.

About this subject

The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest and most recognizable monuments in the Islamic world, completed in 691-692 CE under Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik. It stands on the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif to Muslims, Har HaBayit to Jews) in East Jerusalem. The octagonal structure is crowned by a golden dome 20 meters in diameter, made of aluminum and covered with 80 kg of gold leaf (replacing the original lead after 20th-century renovations). The name derives from the sacred rock inside, where, according to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Isra and Miraj (Night Journey). In Judaism, the rock is believed to be the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac and where the First and Second Temples were built. The building is not a mosque but a shrine (mashhad) housing the rock, featuring Byzantine mosaics and Kufic inscriptions that represent some of the earliest surviving examples of Islamic art. During the Crusades, it was converted into a Christian church (Templum Domini) by the Knights Templar, who inspired their name. In 1967, after the Six-Day War, Israel took control of East Jerusalem and returned administration of the compound to the Islamic waqf, though non-Muslim access is restricted to certain hours. The dome was restored in 1993 with funding from King Hussein of Jordan. Today, the Dome of the Rock is a religious and political symbol, often associated with Middle East tensions, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1981) and one of Israel's most visited tourist destinations despite restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inside the Dome of the Rock?

Inside is the Foundation Stone, a natural rock formation 18 meters long and 2 meters high, surrounded by a balustrade. The rock is sacred to Jews and Muslims, and the interior features mosaics, decorations, and Islamic inscriptions. Public access is not allowed.

Is the Dome of the Rock a mosque?

No, it is a shrine (mashhad), not a mosque. Its primary function is to enshrine the sacred rock. The nearby Al-Aqsa Mosque is the main prayer site in the compound.

Why is the Dome of the Rock important to Judaism?

For Jews, the rock is the site of the Holy of Holies of the First and Second Temples, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. It is the holiest site in Judaism, where Abraham performed the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22).