Al Aqsa Al Sharif

The Dome of the Rock
One of the world's most famous landmarks. Underneath the enormous golden dome that can be seen from miles around the city, is the sacred rock where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son on God's command, and later where Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven.
It is one of the oldest Islamic monuments in the world, built between AD 688 and 691 during the Umayyad empire, and the original building was twice the size it is today. It is now considered the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina.
The massive rock is encased inside but access to the mosque is very limited since the start of the second Intifada and it is largely a ceremonial symbol





The Stairs of the Scales of Souls
It is said that on Judgment Day, scales will be hung from each of the arches on each set of steps surrounding the square (there are 7 in all) and these will be used to weigh the souls of the dead





The Dome of the Chain
In front of the huge Dome of the Rock is a smaller, plainer dome with an open arched interior. This is the Dome of the Chain and it was apparently a prototype for the larger version and was also used as a treasury. The name "Dome of the Chain" is supposed to come from an old legend whereby Solomon invented an early version of the lie detector. He hung a chain from the dome and anyone who lied while holding it would be struck by lightning






Reading the Qu'ran
Islamic scholars often come here to pray, study and be inspired


Al Aqsa Mosque
Possibly the most infamous mosque in the world, it gave its name to the second Palestinian Intifada which began in 2000 after Ariel Sharon made a highly controversial and inflammatory visit.
Whereas the Dome of the Rock is largely decorative and symbolic these days, Al Aqsa is a fully functioning mosque, holding prayers every day for up to 5000 visitors at once.
Like so much in Jerusalem, when it comes to history there is some blurring between mythology and reality and the mosque's exact origins are unclear. Many believe it was built on the site of a 6th century Byzantine church; others believe it is an 8th century construct by the Umayyads. Also like much of the region, it was hit several times by earthquakes and what exists today bears little resemblance to the original structure.


The Summer Pulpit
The Summer Pulpit was built by the Mamluks in the 14th century AD, inside the grounds of the Dome of the Rock mosque. It was later destroyed and rebuilt by the Ottomans. It was used for public speaking to worshippers.

مشكور محمود صقر على الموضوع

وربنا يحفظ الاقصى

يسلمو يا جميل