Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
The Israeli Armed forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque recently. The fight in the country has been increasing since mid-April. The Hamas in the Gaza Strip attacked Israel for its actions. They were engaged in Air strikes. During the air strikes, Israel used IRON DOMES to defend itself from the missiles launched from Gaza. It was as if some kind of shield protecting the city from missiles. It was spoken about widely all over the world.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
- It is one of the holiest structures in the Muslim region.
- The mosque is built over a 35-acres of land.
- The mosque is called “Haram al-Sharif” by Muslims. That is, Noble Sanctuary
- The Jews call it “Temple Mount”
- The mosque is sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians.
- The mosque can hold five thousand worshippers.
- The construction of the Mosque is believed to have been completed in eighth century.
- It faces the “Dome of the Rock”. It is a golden-domed Islamic shrine that is widely recognised as Symbol of Jerusalem.
Jews
The Jews worship the Temple Mount because it was the site where two Ancient Temples stood. The first ancient temple was built by King Solomon. It was destroyed by the Babylonians. The second temple was constructed before 600 years and was destroyed by the Romans.
In Hebrew it is called Har Habayit.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has classified the mosque as the World Heritage Site. This means that the mosque is of international importance and deserves special protection.
Control of the Mosque
The mosque is currently controlled by an Islamic trust called Waqf. The Waqf trust is currently funded and controlled by Jordan. So, it is ultimately Jordan controlling the Mosque!
The Waqf also controls the Dome of the Rock.
Jews and Christians are not allowed to pray on the grounds. Only Muslims can pray on the ground. Jews can pray just below the sacred plateau at the Western Wall. It is the remnants of the wall that once surrounded Temple Mount.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021