Dome of the rock jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is a 7th-century Islamic shrine built on the Temple Mount, a masterpiece of Umayyad architecture.

About this subject

The Dome of the Rock is one of Jerusalem's most iconic landmarks, located on the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif). Completed in 691 CE under Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik, it is the first major work of Islamic architecture. The shrine is not a mosque but a mausoleum housing the Foundation Stone, believed to be where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac and where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey (Isra and Miraj).

The octagonal structure is crowned by a golden dome 20 meters in diameter, covered with 80 kg of gold. Inside, Byzantine mosaics adorn the walls with vegetal and geometric motifs, avoiding human figures in keeping with Islamic aniconic tradition. Inscriptions in Kufic Arabic include Quranic verses and the construction date.

The site is sacred to the three Abrahamic religions. For Jews, it is the location of the First and Second Temples. For Christians, it is associated with New Testament events. For Muslims, it is the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Sovereignty over the Temple Mount is one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Since 1985, the Dome of the Rock has been a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Old City of Jerusalem. The dome was restored in 1993 with donations from King Hussein of Jordan, who sold one of his London residences to finance the $8 million gold cladding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque?

The Dome of the Rock is a shrine housing the Foundation Stone, while the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a mosque within the same Temple Mount complex. Both are part of Haram al-Sharif, but have distinct functions: the Dome is a pilgrimage and memorial site, and Al-Aqsa is a congregational prayer space.

Why is the Dome of the Rock so important to Islam?

It is the site where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. The Foundation Stone is also linked to Abraham's sacrifice. Caliph Abd al-Malik built the shrine to rival Christian churches in Jerusalem and affirm Islamic presence in the city.

What is the significance of the golden dome?

The golden dome symbolizes the glory and sanctity of the site. Originally made of gold, it was replaced with gold-plated aluminum in 1960 and re-covered with gold in 1993. The dome's shine is a visual landmark in Jerusalem's skyline.