THE NOBLE SANCTUARY IN JERUSALEM

The Sacred Noble Sanctuary, also known as al-Haram ash-Sharif, is regarded by Muslims as the third holiest site of Islam. The most important place is the Al-Aqsa Mosque, believed to be the Masjid Al Aqsa (the "Farthest Mosque"). The Dome of the Rock is also situated here and is a prominent landmark in Jerusalem.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque

It is believed that Prophet Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount during the famous Night Journey, known as Isra and Mi'raj.

The Prophet also led prayers towards this site until the seventeenth month after the Hijra when God ordered him to turn towards the Ka'aba in Mecca.

The Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock was built over the site of the Second Jewish Temple in 692AD. The Dome is built over a rock believed by Islam to be the spot from where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven accompanied by the angel Gabriel.

Thousands of Muslim pilgrims travel to the the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount , especially during the month of Ramadan.