The Temple Mount

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is disputed territory and a possible flashpoint for conflict in the Middle East. The Jewish first and second temples stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. They were destroyed. There is a spiritual battle going on over occupation of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Significant events have occurred on the Temple Mount and the Bible says that significant events will occur there in the future.

There are approximately 1.27 billion Moslems in the world and many contend with Israel over possession of the land and over the Temple Mount.

The Temple Mount is a holy place. It is where Abraham was sent by God to sacrifice Isaac. It is the place where King David bought land for an altar to avert God’s judgment and where his son, King Solomon, built the First Temple. It is also where the Second Temple stood until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Islam was established hundreds of years later. Jerusalem is not mentioned specifically in the Koran but there is a Moslem belief that Mohammed ascended to heaven from this spot.

The most eye catching structure on the Haram Esh Sharif is the monumental Dome of the Rock. The outside of the edifice, which is a Shrine and not a mosque, is a fantasia of marble, mosaics and stained glass, painted tiles, and quotations from the Koran, all capped by the gold plated aluminium dome. Notable too are the curved pillars at the top of the steps, from which, according to the tradition, scales will be hung on Judgement Day to weigh the souls of mankind. The inside of the Dome of the Rock focuses on the huge boulder called Kubbet es-Sakhra. This is the scared rock on which Abraham was said to have prepared the sacrifice of Issac. It is also the spot on which, during his mystical journey to Jerusalem, Mohammed is said to have mounted his steed and ascended to heaven. The heavenly interior of the famous golden dome shines down from above, a truly joyous achievement in gold leaf, mosaic, and stained glass. Beneath the rock, meanwhile, is a crypt where the spirits of the dead are said to gather. Non Musilims are not permitted to visit the interiors of the Dome of the Rock or El Aqsa Mosque. The silver capped mosque at the southern end of the mount is the El Aqsa, a prayer hall build on the remains of a Byzantine basilica, with vats underground chambers known as Solomon’s Stables, which anew mosque has been built recently. Also noteworthy are the Mount’s elaborately carved fountains, intricate wrought iron gates, miniature Dome of the chains, marble and stone minibar..etc

El Aqsa features prominently in history, and it was on the doorstep of this mosque that in 1951 a fanatic Moslem murdered Jordan’s King Abdullah in  sight of his little grandson, who became King Hussien, the father of the present King Abdullah. In 1969, a deranged Australian set fire to the buildings, causing extensive damage- evoking the inflammatory calls throughout the Muslim nations for a Jihad, or Holy War against Israel.

There is also an Islamic Museum adjoining the El Aqsa with exhibits covering centuries of Muslim life in Jerusalem.

Although this is a tranquil place with sunny plazas and quiet gardens, it can ignite political passions throughout the Middle East.

http://www.differentspirit.org/articles/temple_mount.php