A culture that stretches beyond the concrete and walls, in an aura that absorbs itself in the people and forms the roots of strong faith in them. The sights of such monasteries only magnify the beliefs people hold, proving their eternal vitality. The heavy devout aura of the sites in Jerusalem is no exception. Let’s dive into the mystery that these origins behold and delve into the power they hold.
The religious folklore & Origin
Situated at the heart of the old city, popular by the name of Haram al-sharif, literally translated to “Noble sanctuary”. It has been in news often as a part of contestation between Israelis and Palestinians. According to popular Muslim belief, the holy ascent of Heaven, i.e. ‘Divine Presence’ by Prophet Muhammad took place on this ground. But standing to be pious conjunction of the three religions, one of them being Jewish as well, they believe this to be the site where god crafted Adam with the dust and Abraham’s son Isaac was supposedly nearly sacrificed. Jews and other non-Muslims are permitted to visit, but Jewish prayer is forbidden there.
Architecture
Harboring the most admired and visited sites of Dome of the Rock, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one can applaud the view of 100 different sites on its top. These sights are the majestic amalgamation of prayer foyers, holy fountains, godly arches, and mosaics that tells tales of the Bible and The Quran. However, it is fascinating to note that even with such Jewish background, jews are not allowed to pray there. Located, right above the western wall, stands the boundary parting the old temple and holy ground that Jewish are allowed to pray at.
The authority that controls and maintains this sight of active worship is called “Waqf”, an Islamic council that has long suspended the excavation as a matter of desecration. After having been rebuilt twice and destroyed yet again, allegedly by Romans and deliberately left to ruins for putting forth an ulterior point. The unconscious realization of the outer wall as non-sacred craftsmanship is the reason the out wall still stands retaining the Temple Mount.
Christianity and Temple Mount
The rising action that lead to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus is thought to have been played out on this temple wherein, Jesus challenged the temple authorities. His disapproval of the corruption of the authorities erstwhile coupled with the mislaid use of one of the temple gates for the purpose of trade was a vital motive behind the disapproval. Gospel of Mark mentions “the cleansing” performed in the wake of chasing away the looter i.e. merchants and moneychangers. The derived importance of this place is found in the citations that claimed this place to be one where Jesus attended festivals and visited as a child. The strength and endurance of the steps decorated by the steps of Jesus and his disciple give it immaculate significance. The fact that the destruction of this temple was prophesied by Jesus, and got fulfilled, only strengthen the belief of the Christians.
And so the culmination of these three religious connections makes this location a sacred confluence that has been treasured and declared the hallowed ground. For over the years, devotees from spread across the world come together to celebrate the power that lies beyond and relish in the calm and strengthen the faith of hope it replenishes, rightfully so.