The Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Jewish Temple

Which location is considered more sacred according to rabbinic ruling: the Western Wall or the area where the Dome of the Rock currently exists?

According to rabbinic ruling, the area where the Dome of the Rock currently exists is considered more sacred than the Western Wall. The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount, which is traditionally viewed as the holiest site in Judaism, as it is believed to be the location of the ancient Jewish temples.

The Western Wall, while a very significant and sacred site for prayer and the Jewish people, is considered a remnant of the Second Temple and thus holds a different level of sanctity compared to the Temple Mount itself.

What is a considerable obstacle to the Jews to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem?

A considerable obstacle to the Jews rebuilding their temple in Jerusalem is the current presence of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, two of the holiest sites in Islam. Both structures are located on the Temple Mount (known as Haram al-Sharif in Islam), which is traditionally believed to be the location of the First and Second Jewish Temples.

Some Islamic scholars assert that Muhammad's Night Journey to Jerusalem, which resulted in the establishment of the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque to honor this event, effectively nullifies the sacrificial practices of Judaism. In contrast, Christians hold that it was through Jesus' crucifixion on the cross that such practices were superseded.

It is believe that the Kingdom of God, as announced by Jesus in Matthew 8, verse 11 to 12, signifies the end of the Jews' role as a kingdom of priests associated with ritual sacrifices. This argument can be explained from an Islamic perspective as follows:

In Islam, the completion of prophethood through Muhammad, the final messenger, is a key belief. Therefore, the Islamic view aligns with the notion that Jesus proclamation of the kingdom of God effectively ended the Jewish role as a kingdom of priests tied to ritual sacrifices.


This is seen as part of a continuous prophetic tradition that calls for righteous living and submission to God’s will.

In Islamic theology, the Kingdom of God is perceived as God's sovereign rule over all creation. The invitation to enter this kingdom is viewed as a call to submit to God’s will and to live according to His guidance.

Islam respects the historical role of the Children of Israel as a chosen community tasked with responsibilities and blessings, including their past as a kingdom of priests dedicated to worshiping God.

Thus, from an Islamic perspective, Jesus' announcement about the Kingdom of God is interpreted as both a revocation of the Jews' priestly role and a continuation of the prophetic message, emphasizing the importance of faith, righteousness, and devotion to God."

From an Islamic viewpoint, Muhammad's Night Journey to Jerusalem symbolizes the end of Judaism as a sacrificial religion, as it is linked to the former Jewish temple.

The Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad to Jerusalem holds significant importance in Islamic belief as it marks a turning point in the relationship between Islam and Judaism.

In Islamic perspective, this event signifies the end of Judaism as a sacrificial religion because it is believed that during his journey, Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven and received instructions for the Muslim community, including the commandment to pray five times a day.

The connection to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem is also significant as it symbolizes the shift from Jewish practices to Islamic teachings. By visiting this sacred site, Prophet Muhammad demonstrated that Islam was now the true religion and successor to Judaism.

This event serves as a reminder of the historical ties between these two Abrahamic faiths while also emphasizing the unique beliefs and practices of Islam.

Overall, Muhammad's Night Journey to Jerusalem represents a pivotal moment in Islamic history where Judaism's role as a sacrificial religion came to an end, paving the way for Islam to emerge as a distinct and influential faith.

Why was the Jewish temple so vital to be attached to the person of Abraham?

The Jewish temple was so vital to be attached to the person of Abraham because Abraham was the founder of Judaism and the first person to make a covenant with God. The covenant was a promise that God made to Abraham and his descendants, that they would be God's chosen people and inherit the land of Canaan, also known as the Promised Land.

The temple was the place where the Jews worshipped God and offered sacrifices, as well as the symbol of their connection to God and the Promised Land. The temple was also believed to be the dwelling place of God's presence on earth, also known as the Shekhinah. Therefore, the temple was a vital link between Abraham, the father of Judaism, and God, the creator and protector of Judaism.

Did Abraham know that the temple would be built on the site where he almost sacrificed his son?

There is no definitive answer to whether Abraham knew that the temple would be built on the site where he almost sacrificed his son. Different traditions and interpretations have different views on this question. Here are some possible perspectives:

According to Jewish tradition, Abraham was aware of the future significance of Mount Moriah, as he named it "the Lord will provide" (Genesis 22 verse 14), implying that God would provide a place for His presence and worship there. Some Jewish sources also suggest that Abraham saw a vision of the future temple when he ascended the mountain with Isaac.

According to Christian tradition, Abraham did not know the exact location of the future temple, but he had faith that God would fulfill His promises to him and his descendants. Some Christian sources also see Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac as a foreshadowing of God's sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.

According to Islamic tradition, Abraham did not sacrifice Isaac, but Ishmael, his firstborn son by Hagar. Muslims believe that Abraham and Ishmael built the Kaaba, the house of God, in Mecca, which is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims do not consider the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as the place where Abraham offered his son, but rather as the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven during his night journey.