The Temple Mount is a significant location in Jerusalem, housing the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. It is important to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Muslims regard it as the third holiest site in Islam, while Jews consider it the holiest site. The site has changed hands many times throughout history, and both Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim it. The Muslim Council currently controls the site.
The Temple Mount as it is known to Jews and Christians, or the Noble Sanctuary as it is known to Muslims, is a location in the Old City section of Jerusalem, Israel. It is significant in Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Currently, the Temple Mount houses the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock.
The Western Wall is just that: a wall. It is actually the wall of the Second Temple. After the destruction of the Second Temple, Jews visited the one remaining wall, turning it into a place of prayer. The wall is sometimes called the Wailing Wall, referring to the mourning and praying Jews.
The Western Wall is close to the Kadosh Hakadashim, or Holy of Holies, the holiest site in the Jewish faith. The Kadosh Hakadashim refers to the inner sanctum of the Temple.
Not only is it a holy place for Jews, but also for Muslims. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest site in Islam. Mecca is generally considered the holiest and Medina the second holiest. For Muslims, the Temple Mount is important because it is where Muhammad was taken to accompany the Archangel Gabriel on a tour of heaven.
While Christians find references to the Temple Mount in their Bible, Christians generally don’t consider it a sacred place the way Jews or Muslims do. For Christians, the Temple Mount is referred to as the place where Jesus prayed and the place he protected as sacred against secular business and financial practices.
Control over the Temple Mount has changed hands many times throughout history. At one point it was the site of the First Temple, then after its destruction, the Second Temple. After the Second Temple was destroyed, no Third Temple was built. There are many speculations as to why: Jews believe that a Third Temple will be built when the Messiah comes and that it will be the last temple.
Some time after the destruction of the Second Temple, Muslims gained control of the region and the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque were built on the Temple Mount. While those structures have been damaged or destroyed over time, newer versions exist today. However, both Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim the area known as the Temple Mount. The Muslim Council currently controls the site.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
