A trip to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount

We began our last week in Jerusalem with a trip to the area of Jerusalem which is called by Arabs, Haram al-Sharif and by Jews, the Temple Mount.  It comprises about one sixth of the entire size of old Jerusalem.
Since 2000, access to this area has been restricted.  The reason for this is that in 2000, Ariel Sharon went on a so-called peace mission to the area and brought with him approximately 2,000 police/military personnel.  This inflamed tensions with the Arab population and sparked the second intifada.  Though non-Muslims do have limited access to the outside areas, they are still restricted from going inside either the Dome of the Rock or the Al Aqsa Mosque.
The following photo shows some of the area. It can be surprising to think of such a wooded area here.

The guide for our tour was Dr. Yusuf Natsheh, Director of the Deptarment of Islamic Archaeology at Haram al-Sharif and lecturer at Al-Quds University.  He was very knowledgeable and welcoming.

The following photo is of the Dome of the Rock.

As I said, access to the inside of the buildings is still restricted to non-Muslims but there are exceptions.  One of those is for students in programs such as at Tantur.  Because of this, we were able to get on to the grounds in a time most non-Muslims are not able to and to enter the buildings.  Even then our time was limited but it was a great privilege.

The Dome of the Rock is on the site traditionally ascribed to two important happenings. The first is that Abraham is said to have taken Isaac to this mount (Mt. Moriah) in order to sacrifice him.  The second is that Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven from this spot.

Currently, the center of the Dome is going through extensive renovations with scaffolding going to the very top.  As that is the case, the following picture shows one side of the building.  The artistry is stunning.

After leaving the Dome of the Rock, we went to the Al Aqsa Mosque.  This marks the furthest point Muhammad made in his pilgrimmage from Mecca before being taken up to heaven.

The front of Al Aqsa Mosque

the central aisle in the  Al Aqsa Mosque 

 the dome of the Al Aqsa Mosque

I am sure that you will agree with me that both buildings are beautiful. I greatly desired to take more pictures of the interiors but our time was significantly restricted.  We were grateful to have the opportunity to go inside.

Here we see two of the most important structures in the Islamic world.  Their artistry reminds me of the care and passion Muslims have for their faith.  An important step for our world will be to see how we can both cherish our deeply held beliefs and work together for the common good of all.

God bless!