Dome of the Rock

views updated May 29 2018

Dome of the Rock (Arab., Qubbat al-Ṣakhra). A Muslim building in Jerusalem which covers the rock from which Muḥammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. From the Rock on which the earth is founded (eben shetiyyah), Muḥammad was taken by Jibrīl through the seven heavens to the furthest limit. The Rock split at that moment, because it longed to follow Muḥammad to heaven. His footprint can still be seen. The building is also known (piously, but unhistorically) as the Mosque of ʿUmar.

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