Exploring the history and meanings of the Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture
The Dome of the Rock is considered one of the most important Islamic landmarks in Palestine and the world. It is a shrine located within the precincts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, where everything within the walls of Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered part of its precinct. The mosque is situated in the city of Jerusalem, Palestine. The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest Islamic buildings that still preserves its structure and decorations since its construction.
The Dome of the Rock holds a significant religious status and sanctity in the Islamic world. Beneath the magnificent dome, there is a cave known as the Prophet's Chamber, also referred to as the "Cave of Spirits." Visitors to the Dome of the Rock can descend to the cave and pray there.
History of the Dome of the Rock:
In the year 685 CE, the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ordered the construction of the Dome of the Rock. The completion of this magnificent artistic masterpiece took place in 691 CE. The mosque was built on strong and solid foundations, with a substantial amount of funds devoted to its construction. The exterior of the dome was covered in gold, and both the interior and exterior walls were adorned with mosaics, creating a harmonious composition. The top of the interior octagonal arches was ornamented with verses from the Quran, written in majestic calligraphy. All of this led visitors to describe the Dome of the Rock as a marvel of Islamic architecture.
Why Was It Named the Dome of the Rock?
The Dome of the Rock was named so due to the presence of the sacred rock from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens during the Night Journey and Ascension. This rock is located at the center of the Dome of the Rock and is an irregularly shaped stone.
Reason for Building the Dome of the Rock:
There are various opinions regarding the reason for building the Dome of the Rock. One prominent view is that Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, from the Umayyad dynasty, aimed to attract Muslims from all over the world to this sacred site and to emphasize the significance of Islamic sanctities. Another perspective suggests that during the time of Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, rumors spread claiming that the rock from which the Prophet ascended was suspended in the air. The Caliph built the mosque to dispel these misconceptions circulating among the Muslims.
Architecture of the Dome of the Rock:
The Dome of the Rock is octagonal in shape with four doors, showcasing the creativity of Islamic architecture. Inside the outer octagon, there is another inner octagon supported by columns and cylinders, with the sacred rock at its center. Above it, there is a dome with a diameter of approximately 20 meters and a height of 35 meters, covered with gold-plated panels on the exterior. Atop the dome sits the crescent, symbolizing the Muslim faith.
Inscriptions Inside and Outside the Dome of the Rock:
The inscriptions inside the Dome of the Rock are taken from several chapters of the Quran, including Surah Al-Ahzab, Al-Imran, Al-Hadid, Maryam, and Surah An-Nisa. As for the inscriptions on the exterior, they include Surah Al-Ikhlas and a portion of Surah Al-Ahzab.
Mosaic Decorations of the Dome of the Rock:
The Dome of the Rock features up to 1525 square meters of mosaic decorations, predominantly taking geometric and vegetative forms. These decorations draw inspiration from Byzantine and Sasanian (Iranian) art, leading some historians to believe that Byzantine and Sasanian architects might have contributed to the construction of the Dome of the Rock. Additionally, there are decorative inscriptions in Kufic Arabic calligraphy from the Quran.
Over time, the mosaic decorations of the Dome of the Rock have been restored multiple times. The first restoration was during the Ottoman era under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The most recent restoration took place in 2017, at the request of the Jordanian government. This restoration was overseen by the Directorate of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) in Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque Reconstruction Committee under the Jordanian government.
Distinguishing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock:
Many Muslims and non-Muslims often confuse the terms Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Is the Dome of the Rock the same as Al-Aqsa Mosque? The answer is no. The Dome of the Rock is a part of the sacred precinct known as Al-Aqsa Mosque. This precinct covers an area of 144,000 square meters and includes various structures, such as the Marwani Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, the Qibli Mosque, and the Bab al-Rahmah Prayer Area. In total, there are nearly 200 landmarks within this precinct, with the Dome of the Rock being the highest point within the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
Construction Start Date: 685 CE / 66 AH
Construction Completion Date: 691 CE / 72 AH