asjid Al-Qubba (As-Sakhra) is NOT Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa. The latter has existed long before Masjid Al-Qubba but in a more primitive form and only assumed its current look after Masjid Al-Qubba was completed. Masjid Al-Qubba is a Masjid that was built by Al-Khalifa Al-Umawi Abd Al-Malik Ibn Marwan 65 AH (685 AD) to commemorate the great journey of the Prophet (SAW). It was started in the year 67 AH (687 AD) and was completed in 71 AH (691 AD). The Masjid consists of an octagonal base structure that encloses two concentric octagonal hallways, which in turn surround a central circular area that contains the rock (As-Sakhra) that is believed to be the one that the Prophet (SAW) climbed upon before ascending to heaven to meet Allah (SWT). Above the octagonal base and immediately above the circle that encloses the rock rests a double-shelled dome (Al-Qubba) that is about 18 to 20 meters in diameter and about 23 meters high. Thus, the name of this Masjid is derived from the fact that its dome impressively dominates its whole structure. The inside as well as the outside walls of the octagonal base are dominated by verses from Al-Qur'an Al-Karim, all in all the writing covers more than 210 meters of the walls spaces. The fact that Masjid Al-Qubba does not have a minaret should not be surprising when one considers the fact that minarets were not a Masjid feature during the Umawi (Umeyyad) period, they are more of a Abbassi (Abbaside) feature.

This is an eastern view of Masjid Al-Qubba (As-Sakhra), the wall in the forefront is the eastern wall of Al-Haram Ash-Shareef. To enjoy more views of this superb Masjid, click on various parts of it.

Special thanks to Br. Fadi for providing all the new pictures of Masjid Al-Qubba. May Allah (SWT) reward him and his family and bestow upon them His blessings.

Author: Taoufik Nadji

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