Dome of the Rock

Also known as Kubbat as-Sakhra, Kubbet es Sakhra, “Mosque of Omar,” Qubbet el-Sakhra, Templum Domini

Aerial from East

Built atop the earlier location of the Temple, the Dome of the Rock was erected by the Muslim ruler Abd el-Malik in 688-691. Because of its situation on bedrock, the numerous earthquakes over the centuries have not caused significant damage to the structure (unlike its neighbor Al Aqsa mosque).  This shrine was covered by a lead dome from 691 until it was replaced with a gold-colored covering in 1965. Because of rust, the anodized aluminum cover was again replaced in 1993 with a gold covering.

Dome with Mt. of Olives

The Mt. of Olives overlooks the Temple Mount from the east and gives a picture of Jesus' weeping over the city from the Mt. of Olives (Luke 19:41).  From the Temple Mount Jesus delivered the famous "7 Woes" against the Pharisees (Matt 23), probably pointing at tombs on the Mt. of Olives in his discourse (v. 27).  Jesus' ascension probably took place some distance behind the tower of the Russian Orthodox Church. 

View from South

Sometimes referred to as the "Mosque of Omar," actually the Dome of the Rock is neither.  Omar built an earlier structure, but not the Dome of the Rock.  And this building is considered a shrine and not a mosque.  Men pray instead at the Al Aqsa mosque located 200 meters to the south.  Muslims believe that this is the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Ishmael.

Founding Inscription

Inside the building in classical Arabic is inscribed,  "O you People of the Book, overstep not bounds in your religion, and of God speak only the truth.  The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is only an apostle of God, and his Word which he conveyed unto Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from him.  Believe therefore in God and his apostles, and say not Three.  It will be better for you.  God is only one God.  Far be it from his glory that he should have a son."

Al Aqsa Mosque

More important to the Muslims than the Dome of the Rock is Al Aqsa Mosque.  Believing that this is the place referred to in the Koran as "al aqsa" (the furthermost), Muslims have sanctified this as the third most holy place in the Muslim world (after shrines in Mecca and Medina, both in Saudi Arabia).  The original mosque was built in 715 but it has been destroyed numerous times by earthquakes.

Al Aqsa from north

The mosque witnessed a turbulent 20th century.  King Abdullah of Jordan was assassinated in front of Al Aqsa in 1951.  A deranged Australian tourist set fire to the mosque in 1969, destroying the beautiful 12th century wooden pulpit.  Controversy now rages over building activity on a larger mosque constructed underneath this one.

Related Websites

The Noble Sanctuary A well-done site from a Muslim perspective that doesn't deny the existence of the earlier Jewish temples.  They are developing an interactive CD-Rom about the site.

Dome of the Rock (Personal Page, Martin Gray)  Authored by an anthropologist/photographer, this lengthy article is accompanied by some nice photos.

Dome of the Rock, Israel (Sweet Briar College)  Features three photos of the interior of the building.  Text is limited and contains some biblical/historical errors.

Dome of the Rock (Hebrew University)  Discusses the traditions and history associated with the site, as well as architectural details of the building.

Dome of the Rock (Great Buildings Online)  Examines the Dome of the Rock from an architectural point of view.  Includes photos and a free downloadable 3D model.

Revisioning the Dome of The Rock (thehope.org)  A different approach, but includes a nice photo gallery.

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem (Sacred Destinations) Very detailed and informative description of this Muslim shrine.  Also features a 45 captioned pictures in a photo tour.

El Aqsa Mosque

El-Aksa Mosque (Hebrew University)  Discusses the traditions and history associated with the site, as well as architectural details of the building.

The Importance of Masjid al Aqsa to Muslims (Personal Page)  Part of an extensive website on Islam.  Article by a member of the Muslim Student Association, Brigham Young University.

Jerusalem: History Lessons (Aqsa) (Albalagh)  Provides eye-opening insight into Muslim thought on their history, religion, and responsibility to Jihad.  

Mosques Around The World  (Islam.org)  Photographs, mostly small, of Muslim places of worship around the world, including Mecca and Medina.