Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif), Jerusalem is one of the most popular and easily recognizable landmarks of the Israeli capital. This place is an Islamic prayer house that is called the Har ha-Bayit or the Temple of Mount by Jews and Christians. The 9th Caliph, Abd al-Malik built it between 687 and 691. It is the oldest existing Islamic building in the world. The first praying direction for the Muslims, even before Mecca, was the Rock under the Dome. Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif), Jerusalem is one of the must-see structures here in the Old City.
The Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif) in Jerusalem is one of the most famous Jerusalem tourist attractions. Islamic traditions identify the rock in the center of the dome as the spot from which Mohammed went to Heaven with angel Gabriel. The stone is also significant in Judaism as the site where God tested Abraham to see if he is willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Various other legends of different faiths are also associated with the Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif).
Long before the Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif), Jerusalem was built, the rock was dug out of dust in 630. A mosque was also constructed by Umar ibn al-Khattab, who had recovered the rock, with the rock behind it. Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan later started construction surrounding the rock. The Dome is shaped like a Byzantine martyrium, a structure meant for storing saintly relics.
Non Muslims were not allowed to enter the Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif), Jerusalem until the mid 19th century. There has been some lax in the rule since 1967, but non-Muslim prayers are still not allowed here. The structure has been renovated a number of times from the ancient times to the recent present. King Hussein of Jordan sold one of his London residences to donate $8.2 million, which was required to fund 80 kilograms of gold required to refurbish the golden dome of Dome of the Rock (al- Haram al- Sharif), Jerusalem.
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