Why do Muslims go to dome of the rock on pilgrimage?

Answer 1

The Dome of the Rock is the third holiest place in Islam, so many Muslims try to travel to Jerusalem to see it. Of course, since many Muslim countries do not have relations with Israel, which controls the city, a significant percentage of Muslims cannot see it, which only increases its cachet.

Answer 2

Why is the city of Jerusalem so important for Muslims? Looking for an answer I found only one reason: in surah 17:1 it mentions the journey, the ascension of Muhammad. It says he was taken from Mecca to the furthest mosque (isra) by the flying horse, Buraq, where he had a chat with the other prophets and Allah (Miraj) and then returned to earth: "Glory to ((Allah)) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless,- in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things)." Some Muslim scholars interpret this as being the final mosque, i.e. heaven. Others say this must be the mosque in Jerusalem, the furthest away mosque at the time, from Mecca. This is why some interpreters translate this as: "Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." So the claim the surah is talking about is the mosque in Jerusalem, the Temple Mount or Noble Sanctuary with the al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is only an interpretation. I don't understand why this couldn't have been a mosque in Baghdad, Damascus or Istanbul. In addition, the mosque in Jerusalem is unusual in shape as it is octagonal and had no qiblah, suggesting it was not a traditional mosque at all and designed as a shrine used for circumambulation. What makes it the third holiest place in Islam after Mecca and Medina is not really clear to me since the mosque itself was only completed in 691 CE, long after Muhammad's death. The name stems from the Foundation Rock, which is significant to Jews, not Muslims, as Jews believe it is the centre of the universe and where mankind was started, both wrong as we know today. It is still the place Jews will face when praying. Muslims later interpreted the ascension of Muhammad to have taken place here, directly at the rock, but for some reason built a "Dome of the Ascension" as a separate building.

As the inscriptions on the Dome of the Rock, the oldest Islamic building today, are said to be Koranic verses but do not appear in the Koran today, they prove that the Koran was modified over time and some go so far as to imply that Muhammad was not in the original versions of the Koran, but was, much like the character of Jesus Christ in The Bible, added in the later versions to supply a leadership figure.

Answer 3

Answer

1. Hajj (or pilgrimage) is the fifth pillar of Islam five pillars
2. It teaches us that Muslims are brothers and are equal.
3. It teaches us that no differences among people due to race, tribe, color, home country, or tongue language.
4. It teaches us, practically, the real human rights when you find people equal during praying, worshiping, and during performing the rituals.
5. Hajj learns us that we are belonging to God (Allah) alone and that we all need his mercy and forgiveness.
6. Hajj is biggest world gathering in the world. It is a demonstration of Islam unity and Islam universality.
7. Muslims get acquainted with the spiritual and historical environment of the prophet Muhammad which strengthen their faith.
8. It is a reminder of the Grand Assembly of the Day of Judgment when people will stand equal before Allah waiting for their final destiny.
9. It confirms commitment of Muslims to Allah.
10. On top of the above, Muslims on Hajj are rewarded, per God will, with forgiveness of all their sins and they return back as pure and innocent as the new the born.

Answer 4

Kaaba is the first building on earth for God (Allah) worship. Its foundations were raised up by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his elder son prophet Ismael.
-ELO-