Introduction
In the Jewish faith, the Red Heifer (also known as the Red Cow) holds significant symbolic and ritualistic importance, particularly in the context of purity laws outlined in the Torah, specifically in the book of Numbers, chapter 19. Red Heifer has been mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah in the context of Israelites but without the association of ritual purification۔
According to Jewish tradition, the ashes of a Red Heifer were used in a purification ritual to cleanse individuals who had become ritually impure through contact with a corpse. The ashes were mixed with water and sprinkled on those who needed purification, enabling them to participate in religious activities.
In Jewish eschatology, the purification ritual involving the Red Heifer is also associated with the preparation for the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem. Some interpretations suggest that the appearance of a suitable Red Heifer is a precursor to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of a messianic era.
The First Temple
The First Temple, also known as Solomon’s Temple, was built in Jerusalem by King Solomon, the son of King David, according to Jewish tradition and biblical accounts. The construction of the temple began around 960 BCE and was completed around 950 BCE. The First Temple was as sacred for the Israelites as Ka’bah for the Muslims today.
The Qur’an also mentions the construction of the First Temple by Prophet King Solomon (Sulayman) A.S. The temple was a magnificent structure and served as the central place of worship for the Israelites. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and was the location for various religious rituals and sacrifices according to the laws outlined in the Torah.
However, the First Temple’s demise came centuries later. In 586 BCE, the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II (Bukht Nasar) besieged Jerusalem and ultimately destroyed the temple. This event marked the culmination of a series of conflicts between the Kingdom of Judah and the Babylonian Empire. The destruction of the First Temple is a significant event in Jewish history and is known as the Babylonian Exile or the Babylonian Captivity.
The Second Temple
The Second Temple was built in Jerusalem following the return of the Jewish people from the Babylonian Exile. Its construction was initiated by Zerubbabel, a governor appointed by the Persian Empire, and it was later expanded and renovated under the leadership of Ezra the Scribe and Nehemiah.
The Second Temple’s construction began around 538 BCE after King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. It was completed and dedicated around 516 BCE.
The Second Temple served as the central place of worship for the Jewish people for several centuries. It underwent various renovations and refurbishments over time, becoming a symbol of Jewish identity and religious practice.
However, the Second Temple met a similar fate to its predecessor. In 70 CE, during the First Jewish-Roman War, the Roman Empire, under the command of the Roman general Titus, besieged Jerusalem and eventually destroyed the Second Temple. This event is known as the Siege of Jerusalem.
The destruction of the Second Temple had profound consequences for the Jewish people. It marked the end of the sacrificial system and centralized worship in Judaism, as well as the beginning of a long period of exile and dispersion known as the Jewish Diaspora. The loss of the temple reshaped Jewish religious practice, emphasizing prayer, study, and communal gatherings in synagogues as alternatives to temple worship.
On the night of his journey to the seven heavens, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) started his heavenly journey from Bait al-Maqdes ( Masjid al-Aqsa) where the First Temple was built. The famous Sacred Rock is located in Masjid al-Aqsa. When Bait al-Maqdes was captured by the Muslim armies in the period of the second Caliph Umar bin Khattab, he ordered to seal the Sacred Rock building a round wall around it. He also constructed the Masjid al-Aqsa which was later transformed into Tomb of the Rock.
The Third Temple?
Most of the Jews claim that Masjid al-Aqsa (Bait al-Maqdes) and Tomb of the Rock stand where the First and Second Temple were erected. They are longing to rebuild the Temple known as the Third Temple. So they intend to dismantle Masjid al-Aqsa, the First Qibah.
Location of Masjid al-Aqsa and the Temple Mount: Masjid al-Aqsa, along with the Dome of the Rock, is located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. According to Jewish tradition, the Temple Mount is the site where both the First and Second Temples once stood. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, and the Second Temple, rebuilt after the Babylonian Exile, are central to Jewish religious and historical narratives.
Jewish Aspirations for Rebuilding the Temple: Many Jews, particularly within certain religious and nationalist circles, express a desire to rebuild the Temple on the Temple Mount. This aspiration is often referred to as the rebuilding of the Third Temple. For some, it is seen as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a restoration of Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem.
In the realm of eschatology, some interpretations within Judaism suggest that the appearance of a suitable Red Heifer is not only a sign of the imminent rebuilding of the Third Temple but also a precursor to the arrival of the Messiah and the establishment of a messianic era. According to Islamic eschatology, Dajjal will claim to be the true Messiah but in reality, he would be the False Messiah that is dubbed as Anti-Christ in Christianity.
In summary, the idea of rebuilding the Third Temple on the Temple Mount is a deeply significant and contentious issue, with far-reaching implications for religious coexistence, regional stability, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It requires delicate diplomacy, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful dialogue to address the aspirations and concerns of all stakeholders involved.
