Dome of the rock jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, built in the 7th century, famous for its golden dome and religious significance.

About this subject

The Dome of the Rock, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, is one of the world's most iconic monuments. Built between 687 and 691 CE by order of Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik, it represents a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture. Its golden dome, 20 meters in diameter, covers the Foundation Stone, a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad ascended to heaven from this rock during the Night Journey. The building is not a mosque but a shrine, and its construction cemented Jerusalem's role as a spiritual center of Islam. The exterior walls are clad with blue, white, and green ceramic tiles featuring Kufic Arabic inscriptions. The interior displays intricate mosaics and marble columns. Unlike the nearby Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock serves primarily as a pilgrimage and prayer site. Its octagonal structure and dome influenced religious architecture across the Islamic world. The rock at the center is surrounded by a wooden balustrade. In 1994, the dome was re-covered with gold leaf donated by King Hussein of Jordan. The site remains a focal point of political and religious tensions, but its architectural beauty attracts millions of visitors annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Dome of the Rock in Islam?

It enshrines the Foundation Stone from which Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven during the Night Journey, making it the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.

Is the Dome of the Rock a mosque?

No, it is a shrine and monument, not a mosque. The main mosque on the Temple Mount is the Al-Aqsa Mosque, located to the south.

Who built the Dome of the Rock and when?

It was built between 687 and 691 CE by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik as a symbol of Islamic power and to rival Christian churches in Jerusalem.