Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is the third holiest site for Muslims, after Mecca and Medina. It is on or very near the site of the ancient Jewish Temple and the Holy of Holies. Muslims believe this is the place from which Mohammed ascended into heaven. It was interesting to me to read the source text from which this story came. It is in Sura 17 of the Koran:

Glory be to him who made his servant go by night from the Holy Mosque to the further mosque whose surroundings we have blessed that we might show him some of our signs. He alone hears all and observes all.

It was hard to understand how this could indicate that Mohammed had ascended into heaven from this place. One thing I appreciate about the Bible is its specificity. It is the only Holy Book that includes specific prophecies that have been fulfilled and are being fulfilled in our own lifetimes!

The Dome was originally built in 691 A.D. by Omar, Mohammed's right-hand man. He personally and reverently began cleaning up garbage Christians had dumped to desecrate the Temple Mount.

Inside the dome is a huge rock, a HUGE rock, 30' x 30' x 6' high. Since this is the top of Mt. Zion, it is believed to be the place where Abraham was sent with instructions to sacrifice Isaac. The temple stood on or beside this rock.