Masjid Al Aqsa was an integral part of Miraj – the night Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the seven skies. The mosque is associated with important events revolving around the lives of almost all prophets (PBUT) since the beginning of time. Keep reading to learn ten interesting facts about Masjid Al Aqsa.

What Is Masjid Al Aqsa?

Masjid Al Aqsa, also known as the Noble Sanctuary or Al-Haram Al-Sharif, is the third holiest site in Islam after Masjid Al-Haram of Makkah Masjid Al-Nabawi of Madinah. The mosque is built on Temple Mount and has great importance not only in the religion of Islam but in Christianity and Judaism as well.

What Is Special about Masjid Al Aqsa to Muslims in Islam?

Masjid Al Aqsa was the first Qibla in Islam and an important destination of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Miraj. Allah SWT speaking about Miraj (Night Journey and Ascension) in the Holy Quran, says, “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 All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” [Holy Quran, 17:1]

Even before Islam, Masjid Al Aqsa was the home of many prophets and was referred to as the centre of monotheism. Bait ul Muqadas is the only mosque except for the Holy Kaaba mentioned in the Holy Quran.

While stating the significance of praying inside Masjid Al Aqsa, the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “A prayer in Makkah (Holy Kabaa) is worth 1000,000 times (reward), a prayer in my Masjid (Madinah) is worth 1,000 times, and a prayer in Al-Aqsa Sanctuary is worth 500 times more reward than anywhere else”. [Tabarani, Suyuti, Bayhaqi]

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “Do not undertake a journey to visit any Mosque, but three: this Mosque of mine, the Mosque of al-Haram and the Mosque of Aqsa” [Sahih Muslim 1397]

Brief History on Masjid Al Aqsa

Masjid Al Aqsa has a long and complex history. The mosque has undergone several renovations since its establishment in the 7th century. The architectural structure we see today was originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The Farthest Mosque was terribly destroyed in the earthquake and was later rebuilt by several rulers of the Ottoman Empire and the government.

During the Crusades, Masjid Al Aqsa was seized by the Christian forces. However, the Muslims succeeded in gaining back their control, restoring the mosque as an important site of worship. Even today, Masjid Al Aqsa is the focal point of many political and religious conflicts between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. 

What Does “Al-Aqsa” Mean?

Al-Aqsa is an Arabic word that literally means “The Farthest Mosque” or “The Farthest Sanctuary.” The mosque got its name in light of the event of Miraj when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sat on a magnificent creature named the Buraq and went on a trip to the seven skies to meet Allah SWT. 

After departing from Masjid Al Haram in Makkah, Buraq brought Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Masjid Al Aqsa, where he led the prayer of all prophets. 

10 facts about Masjid Al Aqsa

Masjid Al Aqsa is one of the three most venerated mosques in Islam. In this section, we will be discussing ten amazing facts about Masjid Al Aqsa.

Who Built Masjid Al Aqsa?

The foundation of Masjid Al Aqsa was laid by Prophet Adam (AS) and then by Ibrahim (AS), Prophet Ishaq (AS) – the son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and lastly, Prophet Sulaiman (AS). However, over the years, the Farthest Mosque was demolished after the conquest of Jerusalem. Later in 705 AD, Abdul Malik ibn Marwan instructed his workers to restore Mosque Al Aqsa on Temple Mount.  

In fact, Masjid Al Aqsa was the second mosque to be constructed on Earth. Abu Dharr (RA) reported that he once asked the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “O Messenger of Allah, which Masjid was built first on earth”? To which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied, “The Sacred Masjid of Makkah.” Abu Dharr (RA) again asked, “Which was next”? The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “Masjid Al-Aqsa”.

Abu Dharr (RA) further asked, “How long was the period between the buildings of the two Masjids”? Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied, “Forty years.” Apart from these, offer your prayer anywhere when it is time to pray, although excellence is in praying in these Masjids.” [Sahih Al Bukhari]

Which Country Is Masjid Al Aqsa In?

Masjid Al Aqsa is located in the Old City of Jerusalem (East Jerusalem) in the state of Palestine. 

The Original Dome of Masjid Al Aqsa Looked Very Different 

According to Islamic history, the original dome of Masjid Al Aqsa was constructed by Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, an Umayyad ruler. The first dome was made using wood with brass, lead, and ceramic cover. However, the iconic golden-coloured dome of Masjid Al Aqsa that we all see today was built during the reign of Sulaiman the Magnificent, an Ottoman ruler, thousands of years ago. 

He ordered the workers to add Ottoman tiles to the front of the mosque and the distinctive golden layer to the dome. It is also believed that Masjid Al Aqsa’s dome inspired rulers to make the “dome” a staple of Islamic architecture.   

How Long Is Masjid Al Aqsa?

Masjid Al Aqsa is 272 ft (83 metres) long and 184 ft (56 metres) wide. The rectangular structure of the Mosque covers 35 acres (14.4 hectares) of land and can hold up to 500,000 worshipers at once. 

The Land of Prophets

Every prophet, even those born far away from Masjid Al Aqsa, found their way back to the Qibli Mosque or connected with Bait ul Muqadas in some way. The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “When Prophet Sulaiman (AS) finished building Bait ul Muqadas, he asked Allah SWT for three things: a judgement that was in harmony with His judgment, a dominion that no one after him would have, and that no one should come to this mosque intending to pray there without emerging free of sin as the day his mother bore him.” He added, “Two prayers were granted, and I hope the third was also granted.”

Furthermore, after destroying the idols of Babylon, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left the city and found himself in the Holy Land of Jerusalem. Allah SWT in the Quran says, “But We delivered him and his nephew Lot and directed them to the Land which We have blessed for the nations.” [Holy Quran, Al Anbiya, 21:71]

Masjid Al Aqsa Was the First Qibla for Salah 

Did you know that Muslims didn’t always turn towards the Holy Kaaba while praying for Salah? Masjid Al Aqsa was the first Qibla in the history of Islam and stayed even after 18 months of migration to Madinah. 

However, it all changed during Zuhr prayer on 2nd January, 624 CE, when Allah SWT revealed the verse to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (at Makkah).” [Holy Quran, 2:144]

After listening to the verse, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) turned 160 degrees, changing his direction from Masjid Al Aqsa to the Holy Kaaba. Once the prayer was completed, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to the companions that “Even though the Qibla has changed, this does not reduce the importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa to the Muslims.”

Masjid Al Aqsa Is Not Only One Mosque

While we tend to think of Mosque Al Aqsa as a beautiful monument built in the old city of Jerusalem, it is a complex of several mosques, including Buraq Mosque and Marwani Mosque. The Qibli Mosque is situated in the complex’s southern corner. 

If you are still confused, know that the compound in which Masjid Al Aqsa is found is called The Noble Sanctuary (Al-Haram Ash-Sharif). 

Masjid Al Aqsa Was the Desired Site of Musa (AS)

Abu Hurairah (RA) reports that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The Angel of death was sent to Musa (AS). When he came to Musa, Musa punched him in the eye. The Angel returned to Allah, saying, ‘You sent me to a servant who does not want to die.’ Allah ordered the Angel, ‘Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life.’ Musa asked, ‘O Lord! What will happen after that?’ 

Allah replied, ‘Then death.’ Musa decided to let it be now. Musa then requested Allah to let him die close to the Sacred Land (near Masjid Al-Aqsa), so much so that he would be at a distance of a stone’s throw from it.” Abu Hurairah (RA) added that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then said, “If I were there, I would show you his grave below the red sand hill on the side of the road.” [Sahih Bukhari]

The Complex of Masjid Al Aqsa Is Also a Burial Ground

While there is no accurate information on how many graves can be found in Al-Haram as-Sharif, we know for sure that it is the resting place of many prophets and companions, including Sulaiman (RA) and Ubadah ibn Samir (RA). 

The Reward of Donating to Masjid Al Aqsa

Another way of earning a great reward is by donating to Masjid Al Aqsa as much as possible. Maymunah bint Sa’d (RA) narrated that she once asked the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “O Prophet (PBUH), Inform us about Bayt al-Maqdis.” He said, “Visit it for prayer.”

She further asked, “If one of us cannot visit it, what shall we do?” He (PBUH) said, “If you cannot go for prayer, then send some oil to be used in its lamps; whosoever gives oil for its lamps, it will be as if he has prayed in it.” [Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud and al-Tabarani]

In another familiar incident, Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) said, “I asked the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), ‘Apostle of Allah SWT, tell us the legal injunction about (visiting) Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).’ The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, ‘Go and pray there. If you cannot visit it and pray there, then send some oil to be used in the lamps.’” [Bukhari]

Pictures of Masjid Al Aqsa

Was Masjid Al Aqsa Built by Jinns?

As stated earlier, Masjid Al Aqsa was first constructed by Prophet Adam (AS), then by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and stood firm until Prophet Ishaq (AS) passed away. Over time, the foundation of Masjid Al Aqsa weakened and started crumbling. Allah SWT commanded Dawood (AS) to renovate Masjid Al Aqsa once again. However, Dawood (AS) tragically passed away before completing the construction and the project was handed over to his son, Sulaiman (AS).

It is believed that Sulaiman (RA) instructed the Jinns to erect the stone pillars underneath Masjid Al Aqsa. In Surah Saba, Allah SWT says, “There were jinn that worked under his supervision by the leave of his Lord, and if any of them deviated from Our command, We made him taste of the Penalty of Blazing Fire.

They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, statues, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): ‘Work, family of Dawud, with thanks! But few of My slaves are grateful!’” [Holy Quran, 34:12-13]

Other masjids in Palestine

Great Mosque of Gaza

Otherwise known as the Great Omari Mosque, the Great Mosque of Gaza is one of the oldest and largest Masjids in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The site of the Great Mosque of Gaza was originally a Byzantine church. However, it was renovated by the Ottoman Empire. The Great Mosque of Gaza covers an area of 4100 square metres. 

Al Siksik Mosque

Situated in the city of Jaffa, Israel, the Al Siksik Mosque was constructed by the prominent Siksik family in the 1880s. Hajj Abd al-Qadir al-Siksik was the founder of the mosque. Al Siksik Mosque is the second Masjid to be built outside the walls of Jaffa. In 1919, Al Siksik Mosque was no longer being used as a place of worship and was transformed into a café in 1948, which was later closed. 

White Mosque

White Mosque is situated in Ramle, Israel/Palestine. Constructed in the 18th century during the reign of Caliph Suleiman bin Abd al-Malik, the White Mosque is an ancient Umayyad-era Masjid. The rectangular mosque was built using white marble and is 93 metres in length and 84 metres in width. However, the White Mosque was destroyed in an earthquake in 1034, and all that’s left is a large square minaret. 

Summary – Facts about Masjid Al Aqsa

Featuring four minarets, a gleaming golden dome, a beautiful façade of blue tiles, and seventeen gates, Masjid Al Aqsa is located in the old city of Jerusalem. Also known as The Farthest Mosque, it holds great historical and religious significance in Islam and is known for its unique attributes. Masjid Al Aqsa is the only mosque after the Holy Kaaba that is mentioned in the Holy Quran. 

Masjid al-Aqsa is no ordinary masjid. The Prophet (ﷺ) dedicated a great deal of his life nurturing the Sahabah (Companions) to appreciate the excellent qualities of Masjid al-Aqsa. Some of the reasons why Masjid al-Aqsa should form an important aspect of a believer’s dedication is that it is:

• The first qiblah for Muslims;
• The station of al-Isra and al-Mi’raj;
• The second house of Allah built on earth;
• The place where hundreds of Messengers of Allah (ﷻ) are buried;
• The place where many Sahabah are buried;
• A place where miracles were shown by Allah’s will;
• A place which Allah (ﷻ) Himself calls a ‘blessed place’;
• Referred to directly and indirectly, 70 times in the Quran;
• The place where angels have descended with Allah’s message;
• The only place on earth where all the Messengers of Allah prayed at the same time led by the Prophet Muhammed (ﷺ)
• The only Masjid mentioned by name in the Quran apart from the Ka’bah
• Most religious Jews regard entry into the al-Aqsa compound (which they call the Temple Mount) as a violation of Jewish law. This restriction is based on the belief that even though the Temple (of Solomon) was destroyed centuries ago, the precise location of the Holy of Holies, the sanctuary that was once entered by the High Priest, is not known. Hence the restriction is applied to the entire compound. They believe that the Temple should only be built after the coming of their Messiah, and it is their belief that it would be presumptuous of people to force God’s hand. However, there are several Jewish groups who differ from this opinion. Many Evangelical Christians consider it to be a prerequisite to Armageddon and the Second Coming (of Jesus), and both are actively encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple on the Aqsa ground.

Infographic showing the key areas of Masjid al-Aqsa (click to open larger image):

• There are ten open gates leading in and out of Masjid al-Aqsa. Nine of these are can be used by Muslims, the exception is the Moroccan Gate (Bab al-Magharib) which is solely for non-Muslims to enter from.

• Masjid al-Aqsa has 25 wells within its compound.

References:  Forty Ahadith concerning Masjid al-Aqsa – Ismail Adam Patel, Wikipedia

• The event of the night journey to Jerusalem is mentioned in Surah al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani-Israeel) in the Quran: “Glory be to the One who took His Slave for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the furthest Mosque, whose precincts we have blessed.“ [17:1]

• When Umar (رضي الله عنه) entered the al-Aqsa sanctuary in 638 CE he was shocked to find it covered with rubbish as the Romans had been using the area as a rubbish tip. The Caliph knelt down immediately and with his own hands began to clear the area. When the Muslims saw what he was doing, they followed suit and soon the whole area was cleansed. They then walked further, near to the niche of Dawud (عليه السلام), and offered two rak’ah prayers in the first of which Umar (رضي الله عنه) recited Surah Sa’d (38) and in the second of which he recited Surat al-Isra (17), containing reference to the Isra’ and Mi’raj.

• Then he asked Ka’b al-Ahbar (a former Jewish rabbi who had embraced Islam), “Where should I build the mihrab (prayer niche)?”, “Behind the Rock,” replied Ka’b, “so that you will offer it behind the two qiblahs,” i.e. the qiblah of Musa and the qiblah of Muhammed. Umar (رضي الله عنه) said to Ka’b, “You speak like the Jews. We will build the niche in front of the Rock. The entire site is part of the mosque. Therefore, our niche should be in the best part, which is in the front portion.”
• Umar (رضي الله عنه) thereafter commissioned the construction of a wooden mosque (which could accommodate 3,000 worshippers) on the southern end of the compound where the present Qibly masjid stands. By doing so he returned the sanctuary to the purity of its past worship, which had been abandoned both by Christianity and Judaism.

• Several earthquakes through the centuries severly damaged the mosque, necessitating complete renovations. The construction of the current building was done by the Umayyad Caliphs Malik bin Marwan and his son, Walid bin Abdul Malik. When the Crusaders occupied Masjid al-Aqsa, they converted this building as their headquarters. It was renovated again by Salahuddin Ayyubi after he reconquered Jerusalem and returned to its former state.

Great virtue of praying in Masjid al-Aqsa:

• Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) relates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “ A prayer in Makkah is worth 100,000 times, a prayer in my Masjid (Madina) is worth 1,000 times, and a prayer in al-Aqsa is worth 500 times more than anywhere else”. [Al-Tabarani, al-Bayhaqi and al-Suyuti]

References:   Palestine: Beginner’s guide – Ismail Adam Patel, Forty Ahadith concerning Masjid al-Aqsa – Ismail Adam Patel, Al-Quds – Mohammed Abdul Hameed Al-Khateeb

• Masjid al-Aqsa is the second house of Allah created on earth: Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) reported that he asked the Prophet (ﷺ), “O Prophet of Allah, which Masjid was built first on earth?“ The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “The Sacred Masjid of Makkah”. Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) again asked, “Which was next?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Masjid al-Aqsa”. Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) further asked “How long was the period between the building of the two Masajid?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Forty years. Apart from these, offer your prayers anywhere when it is time to pray, although excellence is in praying in these Masajid”. [Sahih al-Bhukari]

• When the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099 CE, Masjid al-Aqsa was desecrated. Pigs were installed in the mihrab and a church was erected in place of one of it’s oratories. Imad Eddin (Salahuddin’s biographer) speaks of the mihrab of the mosque being full of pigs and excrement.

• In around 1119 CE, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem granted one wing to the newly formed Knights Templar order and the building became their headquarters.

• The original mimbar, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, was made of over 10,000 interlocking pieces of Cedar and other wood, ivory and mother of pearl affixed without a drop of glue or a single nail. After the reconquest of Jerusalem Masjid al-Aqsa was filled for Jumma prayers for the first time in 88 years, people wept with emotion as the Qadi of Jerusalem, Muhyi ad-Din al-Qurashi mounted the new pulpit.

References:  AtlasTours.com, Wikipedia, A history of Jerusalem – Karen Armstrong, The Crusades – S.E. Al-Djazairi

• In the time of Umar (رضي الله عنه), the Muslim armies had liberated most of ash-Sham, which today comprises Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. They had reached the gates of Jerusalem and were poised to take the city.
• The Christian inhabitants barricaded themselves and demanded that they would only surrender if the Caliph, who was in Madinah, came and took the keys to the city. Although the Muslim army was powerful enough to have taken over the city by force, they wished to minimise casualties and obliged with the Christians’ request.
• Accordingly, Umar (رضي الله عنه) travelled from Madinah to Jerusalem where Sophronius, the Christian Patriarch of Jerusalem, offered him the ‘keys’ to the city. Umar (رضي الله عنه) entered the city of Jerusalem on foot with no bloodshed or harassment of the inhabitants.
• Once in the city, he asked Sophronius to take him to the al-Aqsa sanctuary. When they reached there, Umar (رضي الله عنه) was shocked to find it covered with rubbish as the Romans were using the area as a rubbish tip. Umar (رضي الله عنه) immediately knelt down and with his own hands began to clear the area. When the companions saw this, they followed suit and soon the whole area was cleared.

• The small room shown above is believed to be the area where Umar (رضي الله عنه) started clearing away the rubbish. It was in his honour that this small room was built by previous Muslim rulers and named Masjid Umar. It is regarded as part of Masjid al-Qibly.
• Today, part of the mosque is used as an emergency clinic.

References: HUMA’s travel guide to Palestine, Sheikh Sulaiman Ghani

• This space is also said to be the place Maryam (عليها السلام) was lodged and visited by Zakariyyah (عليه السلام) but there is no solid evidence for this.

References: A guide to al-Aqsa mosque – PASSIA

References: A guide to al-Aqsa mosque – PASSIA

• In Surah Saba’ of the Quran Allah (ﷻ) mentions: “There were jinn that worked under his supervision by the leave of his Lord, and if any of them deviated from Our command, We made him taste of the Penalty of Blazing Fire. They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, statues, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fived (in their places): ‘Work , family of Dawud, with thanks! But few of My slaves are grateful!” [34:12-13]

• There is an adjacent room which contains a grille (above) through which you can see the floor below where oil was burnt to heat the mosque. 

• Maymunah bint Sa’d (رضي الله عنه) relates that she asked the Prophet (ﷺ), “O Prophet (ﷺ)! Inform us about Bayt al-Maqdis”. He said, “Visit it for prayer”. She further asked, “If one of us cannot visit it, what shall we do?” He (ﷺ) said, “If you cannot go for prayer then send some oil to be used in its lamps; whosoever gives oil for its lamps, it will be as if he has prayed in it”. [Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud and al-Tabarani]

• Jewish tradition holds that the site upon which Masjid al-Aqsa was constructed originally housed the Temple of Jerusalem. The destruction of the First Temple, known as the Temple of Solomon, is attributed to the Babylonians in 587 BCE., and there are no physical remains attesting to its presence or structure. Building of the Second Temple began during the rule of the Persian king Cyrus the Great, but this temple was destroyed by the Roman Emperor (then General) Titus in 70 CE. All that remains of it is the Western Wall, which is thought to be a remnant of this second temple’s platform.

• The basement also houses a library containing around 130,000 books. There are also some 4,000 manuscripts, which were donated from the private collections of Jerusalem families. UNESCO says the library contains “one of the world’s most important collections of Islamic manuscripts”.

• This video shows a walk through the basement of Masjid al-Aqsa:

References:  Forty Ahadith concerning Masjid al-Aqsa – Ismail Adam Patel, Al-Quds – Mohammed Abdul Hameed AL-Khateeb, 

Reference: A guide to al-Aqsa mosque – PASSIA

• The octagon shaped building was the cutting edge of design at the time, built on a marble base with the remainder being made out of wood rather than stone. The two planners were Raja ibn Haywah, a Muslim scholar and Yazid ibn Salam, a non-Arab Muslim native of Jerusalem.
• Four of the eight sides have doors and there are seven windows on each side. The dome itself is 25 meters high and covered with gold. The interior is decorated with mosaic, marble and verses from the Quran. The architecture is regarded as a masterpiece due to the mathematical rhythm of its proportions. For example, each of the outer walls is 67 feet long, which is exactly the same as the dome’s diameter and which is also the height from the base to the drum.

• When the Crusaders took over Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock mosque was re-named Templum Domini and had a cross placed on top of the golden dome. The rock inside was covered to make an altar and the Quranic inscriptions were covered with Latin texts. The Qibly mosque was re-named Templum Solomonis. This kingdom was to last 87 years, during which time neither Jew nor Muslim was allowed to dwell within the walls of the city.

• Ali Ibn al-Athir (رحمه الله) writes in his book Kamil at-Tawarikh (The Perfect History) of the scene when the Muslims recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders: “…At the top of the cupola of the Dome of the Rock there was a great gilded cross. When the Muslims entered the city on the Friday, some of them climbed the top of the cupola to take down the cross……a great cry went up from the city and from outside the walls, the Muslims crying ‘Allahu-akbar’ in their joy, the Franks groaning in consternation and grief. So loud and piercing was the cry that the earth shook. …Salahuddin ordered that the shrines should be restored to their original state. The Templars had built their living quarters against al-Aqsa, with storerooms and latrines…This was all restored to its former state. The Sultan ordered that the Dome of the Rock should be cleansed of all pollution, and this was done…”.

• When the Dome of the Rock was first built the outside was covered in mosaics. The beautiful external tile work which can be seen today was commissioned by Sulayman II Qanuni (the Lawgiver), known throughout Europe as Sulayman the Magnificent. With the incomparable skills of Persian master ceramicists, 40,000 tiles were fired and put into place. The inscription surrounding the top is Surah Yasin, regarded as the heart of the Quran. This was commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
• Inside the Dome, the major Quranic inscription over the arches of the inner arcade is addressed to the “Followers of the Gospel”, i.e. Christians, denying the shocking notion that God had sired a son. It warns them against inaccurate and dangerous statements about God (in Surah An-Nisa):“O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a Messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not “Three” – Cease! (it is) better for you! – Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His transcendent majesty that he should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.” [4:171]

• When the Dome of the Rock was originally built, there was a surplus of 100,000 gold dinars left from the budget. Caliph Abd al-Malik decided to have these dinars melted down and turned into plates to cover the dome. Almost 400 years later, the dome was severely damaged by an earthquake and the plates were replaced by blackened lead. From 1955 major restoration work, lead by King Hussein of Jordan, was carried out during which the dome was covered with a durable aluminium bronze alloy. In 1994 King Hussein donated the money to have it replaced with the gold plated metal we see today.
• The dome is topped by a full moon decoration which is aligned so that if you could look through it, you would be looking straight towards Makkah.
  
• Jews and Christians believe this is the place where the Prophet Ebrahim (عليه السلام) was prepared to sacrifice his son Ishaq (عليه السلام) after seeing a dream indicating for him to do so. This is a fundamental difference to the Muslim belief that it was actually his elder son Ismail (عليه السلام) who he was prepared to sacrifice and that this happened in Mina, Saudi Arabia. 
• Orthodox Jews believe the Dome of the Rock to be the centre of the world.

References:  Palestine: Beginner’s guide – Ismail Adam Patel, Al-Quds – Mohammed Abdul Hameed Al-Khateeb, The Crusades – Christine Hatt, HUMA’S travel guide to Palestine.