DomeoftheRock

__Introduction__
Islam is a major world religion that is celebrated by over 1.5 billion people world wide. Muslums believe that Muhammad, who was born around 570 A.D., was the last prophet from God. The Dome of the Rock was built by Abd el-Malik in Jerusalem as a shrine for Muslim pilgims to visit. The original purpose of the Islamic shirne was to emphasize the superiotiy of Islam over Christianity. It also represents important people and places in Islam. It was built in Jerusalem to show that it was really a Muslim city. Some interesting aspects of the Dome of the Rock include its design, Foundation Stone, creation, and Qur'anic verses.

= = =Interior Design= The design of the Dome of the Rock is what makes it truly unique from other Muslim buildings. It is decorated with marble and intricate mosaics, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Islamic art. The art on the inside is known as the Bethel, or "Gateway to Heaven". The founding inscription, in Arabic, on the inside of the shrine states that, "O you People of the Book, overstep not bounds in your religion, and of God speak only the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is only an apostle of God, and his Word which he conveyed unto Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from him. Believe therefore in God and his apostles, and say not Three. It will be better for you. God is only one God. Far be it from his glory that he should have a son." This inscription is telling Christians to believe that Jesus was simply an apostle of God, not a son. It also shows how the Dome of the Rock was originally used to compete with Chrisitian buildings. Also, verses from the Qur'an are inscripted on the inside of the building and also on plaques at the entrance. "Ya Sin," meaning "throbbing heart of the Qur'an" is inscribed across the top, in dazzling tile work. Ya Sin, which means the break of the inertness and stirs the spirit of man to action, was made for the benefit of the person who does not know Arabic. The Dome of the Rock demonstrates how Islam incorporates religion into everything, even art and architecture. media type="youtube" key="uqxFsmGN5vA" height="313" width="416" align="center"

=**Foundation Stone**= The Foundation Stone is located in the center of the Dome of the Rock and is very important to Jews and Muslims. Jews believe that the stone was used to create the world, which is why the Jews' holy temples were built there and the inner-most sanctuary was built above the stone. Muslims believe that from the Foundation Stone, Muhammad rose to Heaven right after his "Night Journey" from Mecca to Jersalem. During his ascent into Heaven, Muslims believe that Muhammad was consulted by Moses and was given the obligatory Islamic prayers before returning to earth. The Dome of the Rock symbolizes the third most important date. Also, Muslims believe that this was the stone that Abraham was willing to sacrafice his son, Isaac, on to show Allah that he had enough faith towards his religion. This was also the place where Allah saw this sign of faith, and traded Isaac with a ram, starting the tradition of the Eid al-Fitr. The Foundation Stone is also well known as the Pierced Stone because it has a small hole on the southeastern corner that enters a cavern beneath the rock, known as the Well of Souls. In Jewish tradition, the Well of Souls is located under the Foundation Stone in a natural cave, and is the sanctuary where Abraham was going to sacrafice his son. In conclusion, the Foundation Stone is the main reason that the Dome of the Rock was built, and it is one the most important places for all Muslims.

=**The Creation of The Dome of the Rock**= Abd el-Malik may have built The Dome of the Rock for many different reasons. One reason why he built this shrine is to commemorate or honor Muhammad's ascension into heaven at the end of his night journey. Another more devise theory on why Abd el-Malik built this magnicificant monument was to compete or outshine to beautiful cathedrals of Christianity in order to show the superiority of Islam over all other religions. He took power over the Jews in building it on one of their most sacred sites and the Christians by having an inscription on the inside denouncing Jesus as Allah's son and telling them to stop being silly. An additional scandelous theory on the motives behind the oldest Islamic momument was that it was built to divert the Hajj from Mecca to Jerusalem. Abd el-Malik may have wanted to outdo his rival Abdullah b. al-Zubayr who was the current ruler af Mecca. An additional theory on why the Dome of the Rock was really built may be that the Muslims wanted to show off or flaunt the fact that they won the battle and were now in control of Jerusalem and could do whatever they pleased to the city. A last theory is that this monument of faith may have simply been built for faith or love in Allah and to honor Muhammad's assencion into heaven after his night journey.

=**Qur'anic Verses**= There are several Qur'anic verses in the Dome of the Rock. One spot where there are many inscriptions is around the octagonal part of the Dome of the Rock. Also, 'Ya Sin', a Qur'anic verse meaning "throbbing heart of the Qur'an", is inscribed across the top of the Dome of the Rock and made for people who don't speak Arabic. Another area that contains these verses are the sixteen colored glass windows. They are among some of the most beautiful windows in the world. An example of a Qur'anic verse in the shrine describes Muhammad's Night Journey. These verses are very significant to the Dome of the Rock because they give Muslims another reason for loving their religion and this beautiful and enduring architectural treasure. The Dome of the Rock contains Qur'anic versus calling Christians to accept Islam and to recognize the true place of Jesus in the plan of God. These verses can be viewed differently to all whom see it, but they are all related to the acception of God.



=__Conclusion__= The Dome of the Rock is definitely one of the most beautiful pieces of Muslim architecture. While having amazing artwork and architectural advancments, it also is filled with Qur'anic verses and moving messages about Islam. It has special significance to the Muslim religion because it represents many important events, such as Muhammad's ascent to heaven and Abraham preparing to sacrafice his son Isaac to Allah. The Dome of the Rock is a breathtaking monument to people of all religions on faith and love of Allah or God.



=__**Sources:**__= [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [|http://www.meccacentric.com/30_facts.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqxFsmGN5vAhttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/865100312_534ea97273.jpg?v=0]

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