The Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhrah in Arabic) is a sacred place located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is one of the oldest and most important Islamic monuments in the world. The Dome of the Rock is a part of Al-Aqsa mosque built over a sacred rock, which is believed to be the spot from which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascended to heaven during his Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).

The story of the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj) holds great significance in Islamic tradition, representing a pivotal event in the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the development of Islamic belief. According to Islamic sources, including the Qur’an and Hadith literature, the Night Journey began when the Angel Gabriel transported the Prophet Muhammad from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. From there, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ascended through the heavens, encountering various celestial realms and ultimately receiving divine revelations, including the commandments of prayer.

The significance of starting the Night Journey from the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is believed to be located near the site of the Dome of the Rock, lies in its historical and spiritual importance in Islamic tradition. Jerusalem (known as Al-Quds in Arabic) holds a special place in Islam as one of the holiest cities, second only to Mecca and Medina. The Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, including the Dome of the Rock, are considered sacred sites where numerous prophets are believed to have worshipped.

Scholars have interpreted the choice of starting the Night Journey from Jerusalem in various ways. Some view it as a demonstration of the unity of the Abrahamic faiths, as Jerusalem is also revered in Judaism and Christianity. Some researchers conclude from this miraculous journey that there must be some strong connection between the Dome of the Rock and the trajectory that leads to the Galactic Portal to go to the seven heavens.

Regarding the claim about a connection between the Dome of the Rock and a “galactic portal” leading to the seven heavens, it’s important to note that such interpretations are not grounded in mainstream Islamic theology. While some individuals or groups may speculate about metaphysical connections between earthly sites and cosmic realms, these interpretations are not part of established Islamic teachings.

Futuh al-Sham, also known as The Conquest of Rome, is indeed a historical work attributed to Muhammad ibn Umar al-Waqidi [d. 207 AH], an early Muslim historian who lived in the 8th century CE. In this book, Al-Waqidi documented the early Islamic conquests and events related to the expansion of Islam into the Roman Empire. It mentions that there were footprints of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the Sacred rock. [Futuh al-Sham:2/147]

While the specific details about the inscribed footprint may vary among sources and traditions, the overarching significance of the Dome of the Rock as the site associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey remains central in Islamic belief and devotion. The Dome of the Rock continues to be revered by Muslims worldwide as a symbol of spiritual significance and historical importance.

The book titled “Tarikh Bait al-Maqdes” (History of Bait al-Maqdes) allegedly attributed to Imam Ibn al-Jawzi al-Hanbali contains accounts of marvelous events or characteristics associated with the Dome of the Rock, a significant Islamic site located in Jerusalem. However, the reliability of the chains of transmission (isnad) of these accounts may be questionable.

In Islamic scholarship, the reliability of hadith chains is crucial in determining the authenticity of reports or narratives. If the chains of transmission of a particular hadith or historical account are deemed weak or unreliable, it raises doubts about the accuracy and authenticity of the information contained therein.

Furthermore, the concept of miraculous events or extraordinary phenomena associated with religious sites is not uncommon in Islamic literature. Such accounts may serve various purposes, including inspiring faith, emphasizing the sanctity of certain locations, or highlighting the power and majesty of Allah.

However, it’s essential for scholars and readers to critically evaluate the sources and chains of transmission of such accounts to determine their reliability and authenticity. While texts like “Tarikh Bait al-Maqdes” may contain valuable historical and cultural insights, it’s important to approach them with a discerning eye and to rely on established principles of Islamic scholarship in assessing their credibility.

Overall, the Dome of the Rock holds deep religious, cultural, and historical significance for Muslims around the world, and it remains a revered site of pilgrimage and worship.