The Dome of the Rock & Al-Asqa Mosque

Damascus Gate

By MacLean Cadman

This morning, we found ourselves entranced as we climbed the cobbled roads of Jerusalem's Old City through shafts of light filtering into the narrow openings along the street-side markets and cafes. We entered the Old City through the Damascus Gate and swiftly wound around in the bustling maze along the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus walked his last steps before his crucifixion. Our goal was to arrive at the Dome of the Rock on time--having been granted access, just this morning, to both the shrine and the Al-Asqa Mosque, something that does not happen very often these days.

After passing through the crowds and the rush of the Old City, we passed through a security checkpoint and entered into a very quiet Temple Mount, where we could hear birds sing and feel the breeze blow. It was a beautiful morning in Jerusalem. Just across the courtyard, we saw the 7th century golden dome rising above the sacred Islamic shrine, and it took our breath away.

Dome of the Rock

By MacLean Cadman

Once all the women in our group had covered our heads with scarves and put on large, flowery skirts over our jeans, we were escorted up the marble staircase to the Dome of the Rock, a magnificent octagonal structure built using a Byzantine architectural style for the dome. Below the dome, the building is covered in colored porcelain tiles to create engaging geometric patterns that are echoed in the interior. We took off our shoes and entered the shrine, first built as a resting place for pilgrims to the mosque next door.

Scarves & Skirts

By MacLean Cadman

In the shrine, we saw men, women, and children at prayer, study, and rest. We had the opportunity to go down below the dome into one of the niches beneath the rock to touch the holy rock and observe prayers taking place in this holiest of sites for Muslims. The experience was truly breathtaking for many of us. The calm beauty all around us--gorgeous, intricate stained glass windows; thick carpets donated by the King of Jordan; an ornate ceiling held up by wide marble columns. We wished we'd been able to stay longer to soak up the spiritual energy of the place.
After leaving the Dome of the Rock, we walked across the plaza to the Al-Asqa Mosque, which means "the Farthest Mosque from Mecca," our guide told us. Another beautiful structure, the mosque was surrounded by groups of men and women studying the Koran and was filled with people in prayer. Our experience of this place included a profound sense of devotion to God and to living a good and peaceful life, which made it as hard to leave the mosque as it had been to walk out of the Dome of the Rock.

Inside the Mosque

By MacLean Cadman

In my Father's house, there are many mansions. ~ John 14.2

~ Shan Overton

PhD student, Theology and Education

Boston College