Israel Temple Mount

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is disputed territory and a possible flashpoint for conflict in the Middle East. The Jewish first and second temples stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. They were destroyed. There is a spiritual battle going on over occupation of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Significant events have occurred on the Temple Mount and the Bible says that significant events will occur there in the future.

There are approximately 1.27 billion Moslems in the world and many contend with Israel over possession of the land and over the Temple Mount.

The Temple Mount is a holy place. It is where Abraham was sent by God to sacrifice Isaac. It is the place where King David bought land for an altar to avert God’s judgment and where his son, King Solomon, built the First Temple. It is also where the Second Temple stood until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Islam was established hundreds of years later. Jerusalem is not mentioned specifically in the Koran but there is a Moslem belief that Mohammed ascended to heaven from this spot.

The most eye catching structure on the Haram Esh Sharif is the monumental Dome of the Rock. The outside of the edifice, which is a Shrine and not a mosque, is a fantasia of marble, mosaics and stained glass, painted tiles, and quotations from the Koran, all capped by the gold plated aluminium dome. Notable too are the curved pillars at the top of the steps, from which, according to the tradition, scales will be hung on Judgement Day to weigh the souls of mankind. The inside of the Dome of the Rock focuses on the huge boulder called Kubbet es-Sakhra. This is the scared rock on which Abraham was said to have prepared the sacrifice of Issac. It is also the spot on which, during his mystical journey to Jerusalem, Mohammed is said to have mounted his steed and ascended to heaven. The heavenly interior of the famous golden dome shines down from above, a truly joyous achievement in gold leaf, mosaic, and stained glass. Beneath the rock, meanwhile, is a crypt where the spirits of the dead are said to gather. Non Musilims are not permitted to visit the interiors of the Dome of the Rock or El Aqsa Mosque. The silver capped mosque at the southern end of the mount is the El Aqsa, a prayer hall build on the remains of a Byzantine basilica, with vats underground chambers known as Solomon’s Stables, which anew mosque has been built recently. Also noteworthy are the Mount’s elaborately carved fountains, intricate wrought iron gates, miniature Dome of the chains, marble and stone minibar..etc

El Aqsa features prominently in history, and it was on the doorstep of this mosque that in 1951 a fanatic Moslem murdered Jordan’s King Abdullah in sight of his little grandson, who became King Hussien, the father of the present King Abdullah. In 1969, a deranged Australian set fire to the buildings, causing extensive damage- evoking the inflammatory calls throughout the Muslim nations for a Jihad, or Holy War against Israel.

There is also an Islamic Museum adjoining the El Aqsa with exhibits covering centuries of Muslim life in Jerusalem.

Although this is a tranquil place with sunny plazas and quiet gardens, it can ignite political passions throughout the Middle East.

http://www.differentspirit.org/articles/temple_mount.php

TEMPLE MOUNT The Temple Mount in Jerusalem holds immense religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making it a highly contested piece of land. Significance of the Temple Mount: Judaism: It is considered the holiest site in Judaism, the location of the First and Second Temples. Key biblical events are believed to have occurred here, including the Binding of Isaac and Jacob's dream. Jews worldwide turn towards the Temple Mount during prayer. Orthodox tradition anticipates the building of the Third Temple on this site with the arrival of the Messiah. Christianity: While not as central as for Jews and Muslims, the Temple Mount is significant to Christians as Jesus spent considerable time at the Second Temple. Important events from his life, such as teaching and the cleansing of the Temple, took place here. The site is also connected to Old Testament events like Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac. Islam: Known as Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), it is the third holiest site in Islam. It houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Muslims believe it was the destination of Prophet Muhammad's miraculous night journey to Jerusalem and his ascent to heaven. The Temple Institute and the Third Temple: The Temple Institute is an Israeli organization dedicated to preparing for the building of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount. Their activities include: Creating ritual objects, priestly garments, and architectural plans for the future Temple. Training individuals for priestly and Levitical roles. Educating the public about the historical and religious importance of the Temple. Advocating for Jewish prayer rights on the Temple Mount. Views on Building the Third Temple: Jewish Views: There is general agreement within Orthodox Judaism about the future rebuilding of the Temple, although opinions differ on whether this should be initiated by human effort or await divine intervention. The Temple Institute actively promotes human action towards this goal, interpreting Maimonides to support this view. However, many other Orthodox authorities disagree, some even prohibiting entry to the Temple Mount to avoid potential desecration of the Holy of Holies. Christian Views: Christian eschatology includes diverse interpretations regarding a future temple. Some believe a Third Temple will be built, potentially signaling the return of Jesus. However, many Christians view Jesus himself and the Christian community as the spiritual fulfillment of the Temple, rendering a physical Third Temple theologically unnecessary. Muslim Views: Muslims strongly oppose any attempt to build a Jewish temple on the Temple Mount, as it would necessitate the destruction of the existing Islamic holy sites, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. They consider the entire Haram al-Sharif a sacred Islamic space and often deny any historical Jewish connection to the site. The issue is a major point of political and religious contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Implications: The Temple Institute's aspirations to build the Third Temple have significant implications: Increased Tension and Conflict: Any concrete steps towards rebuilding the Temple would almost certainly ignite widespread unrest and violence between Israelis and Palestinians, and potentially draw in the wider Muslim world. Religious Freedom vs. Existing Holy Sites: The desire of some Jews to pray and potentially rebuild their Temple on the Mount clashes directly with the existing Muslim presence and their exclusive control over the holy sites there. Political Ramifications: The issue is deeply intertwined with the political status of Jerusalem and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making any changes to the status quo extremely sensitive. In conclusion, the Temple Mount is a site of profound religious importance for all three Abrahamic faiths, but especially for Jews and Muslims. The Temple Institute's efforts to build the Third Temple are a source of major contention, with the potential to significantly escalate religious and political tensions in the region due to conflicting religious beliefs and historical claims to the land.