In many pictures of modern-day Jerusalem, there is a large, golden dome in between the rooftops. This is called the Dome of the Rock,  a significant Islamic symbol that has witnessed centuries of strife.

This dome is on top of a large hill in Jerusalem called the Temple Mount; it is currently an area where only Muslims may enter. The Dome of the Rock holds a high interest because of its inscriptions from very early times of Islam.

The Dome of the Rock shares the high plaza with the al-Aqsa mosque. It is not by chance that this large mosque was built on one of the most sacred Jewish sites of worship, and there is a long history that explains why this golden dome is there. It is helpful for us to learn this history and understand the full significance of this structure.

Historical importance of the Dome of the Rock’s location

Many Christians do not realize how important Jerusalem was to Muhammad at the beginning of Islam in the 7th century. He was claiming to be a prophet sent by the God of  Jews and Christians, so he tried hard to get their approval during the first period of Islam, called the Meccan period, which was a peaceful time in Islam’s history.

Problems began when Muhammad switched tactics, marking the beginning of the Medinan period, 622-632 AD, where Islam began to attack and suppress tribes around them, forcing them to become Muslims.

However, before this switch in tactics, and in an attempt to be affirmed as a prophet by the Jews, Muhammad claimed to have made a miraculous overnight journey to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount in 621 AD– this is called the Isra and Miraj. Isra is the first part of this miraculous journey, where Muhammad was allegedly taken from his bed to Jerusalem where the Al-Aqsa Mosque now stands. The Miraj is when he supposedly ascended into different levels of a spiritual realm, meeting Biblical prophets.

Islam has a significant incorrect detail in the story of the Isra and Miraj– the Quran says that Muhammad visited “the farthest masjid or mosque” during the trip (Quran 17:1), but the al-Aqsa mosque was not built until 50 years after Muhammad’s death. Even if Muhammad meant the temple of the Jews by the “farthest masjid”, he was also incorrect because at his time there was no temple! 

The Temple Mount is where Solomon’s Temple once stood.  This was destroyed around 580 BC by the Babylonian empire when Israel fell to them. The Second Temple was built almost 70 years later– this story is recorded in the book of Ezra.  The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Roman Empire, and the Temple Mount had remained empty and in ruins for centuries.

When was the Dome of the Rock built?

Muslims invaded Jerusalem and conquered it almost six years after Muhammad’s death, in 638 AD under the second caliph of Islam (source). Caliphs are the successors who led the Muslims after the death of Muhammad. The Dome of the Rock was built five decades after this invasion between 685 and 691 AD by the Islamic caliph 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan’.

By that time, the stories and traditions of Islam had spread, and almost all Muslims would have known about the Isra and Miraj, so it was easy for them as the conquerors to claim that the Temple Mount was a holy spot for their religion. This is what led Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan to build a shrine of Muhammad on this rock. He chose the strategic place where the Holy of Holies was to erect the dome. 

When was Al-Aqsa mosque built and why?

Usually, when Muslims build a mosque in the land of the enemy or in a land they have conquered, it becomes a forever claimed land for the Islamic world, no matter who owned it before or how significant it is for other people groups or countries. Muslims truly believe that when Allah is pleased with them, he gives them more lands to conquer, and the more they conquer, the closer the End Times are.

The al-Aqsa mosque was built 18 years after Muhammad’s death. It was purposely built on the Temple Mount near the Dome of the Rock for two reasons:

1. The belief that the Isra and Miraj had taken Muhammad to a mosque there
2. Islam’s strategy to take over other religions' holy places to make it their own

This is not the only place significant to another religion that Islam tried to claim as their own. The Kaaba in Mecca where Muslims make their pilgrimages was once a sacred site for pagan Arab tribes until Muhammad claimed it was built by Abraham. (Source)

How to talk about the Dome of the Rock with your Muslim friend

Tensions will probably always run high when it comes to talking about the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. The conversation could easily get political and heated, creating more harm than good for your relationship. This is why we recommend avoiding this topic with your Muslim friend.

However, if this topic or the Middle East in general comes up, we urge you to try to keep a Christ-like perspective on it. Tell your Muslim friend that Jesus loves everyone involved and wants them all to come to know Him as Savior. 

You can also share that nations fight and kill each other for earthly lands and possessions but we should care more about the country where we will spend eternity.  Share that Jesus is preparing a place for us and talk about this instead.  

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Prayer

Dear Lord, please give me wisdom and a peaceful spirit. Help me to love my Muslim friend and show that love through every conversation. Amen.