Any one with some basic knowledge about 'Middle East' knows the importance of the 'Dome of the Rock'. It is perhaps the cornerstone of all Jewish and Arab conflicts in the region. No doubt it is the most important structure in the Temple Mount area. The beautiful golden dome is the heart of Jerusalem and is visible from almost all over the City. Built by Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik Ibn Marwan in 691 AD, the 'Dome of the Rock' is the oldest extant Islamic monument and surviving mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) in the world. Remember also that it is a dome and not a mosque.
Why is the monument so important? The golden dome houses a large stone called the 'Foundation Stone'-sacred to Jews and Muslims alike. Known as Even haShetiya for Jews, the Foundation Stone is the holiest site of Judaism and not Western Wall as many may speculate. For Jews, the stone is associated with several traditons. It was from this rock that God created the world; Adam was formed; Cain, Abel, Noah offered sacrifices and Abraham decided to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22). Apart from identifying with Mount Moriah, the site is also believed as the rock upon which Jacob saw angels ascending and descending on a ladder. Going further, it was upon this rock that Araunah's threshing floor existed. The floor was purchased by King David and later used by King Solomon to construct the First Jerusalem Temple. Finally, this was the same rock upon which the Ark of Covenant was placed- the 'Holy of Holies' of Jerusalem Temple .
For Muslims, it is the rock from which Muhammad's winged horse went with the Archangel Gabriel, on the "Night Journey" into heaven (Qur'an 17). The rock is said to bear the horse's imprint. Muslim tradition also holds that an angel will come to the rock to sound the trumpet call of the Last Judgment at the end of the world.
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