The Dome was erected in 692, and is the oldest existing Islamic building in the world, but the spot is sacred for both Muslims and Jews. It is built at Mt. Moriah at the very spot where it is believed that Abraham offered up his son to be sacrificed (In Muslim tradition, Abraham offered up Ishmael). It is also the place where the Jewish temple stood for centuries, possibly the site of the Holy of Holies. Muslims believe that it was also under this dome that the "night journey" of prophet Mohammad culminated: he ascended to heaven at this spot to talk to all the patriarchs of the past and receive instructions from them and Allah. We read Isaiah 6 and 1 Kings 8 at this spot (on our pda's--the Muslims actually confiscated several of the scriptures of people in the group. Bibles are not allowed in... they got them back later, though). It was awesome!
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