Qubbat al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock)
Definition and Overview
Qubbat al-Sakhra (Arabic: قبة الصخرة, Turkish: Kubbetü’s-Sahre), commonly known as the Dome of the Rock, is a significant Muslim shrine located in the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) in Jerusalem. Erected circa 692 CE under the supervision of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik, the shrine is one of Islam’s earliest architectural works, marking a potent symbol of Islamic presence in Jerusalem.
Etymology
The name Qubbat al-Sakhra means “Dome of the Rock” in Arabic, referring to the rock (sakhra) which the structure embraces. The term “sakhra” (صَخْرَة) translates directly as “rock” in English.
Historical and Religious Significance
The Dome of the Rock has considerable religious and historical significance in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, the rock inside the shrine is the very spot where the Prophe Muhammad () embarked on his nocturnal journey (Al-Israa) and ascended into the heavens (Mi’raj). The structure was built to celebrate this mystical event and symbolize the supremacy of Islam.
Architectural Details
The design of the Dome of the Rock bears notable influences from Roman and Byzantine architecture, employing an octagonal floating dome that rises above a central space. This central dome is surrounded by two concentric ambulatories, allowing pilgrims to circulate and view the rock at the heart of the structure.
Interior Decoration
Complex vegetal designs, arabesques, and detailed Arabic inscriptions in mosaic adorn the shrine’s interior. These inscriptions include verses from Qur’anic scripture and provide an aesthetic and spiritual experience for visitors.
Comparisons and Symbolism
Symbolically, the Dome of the Rock acts as a visual challenge to the dome of the Holy Sepulcher, which is adjacent. This spatial juxtaposition with the nearby key Christian site emphasizes the inter-religious dynamics that have historically defined Jerusalem.
Further Studies
- “The Dome of the Rock” by Oleg Grabar: An in-depth study into the architectural and historical significance of the Dome of the Rock.
- “Islamic Art: A Visual History” by Sheila Blair and Jonathan Bloom: Provides context into Islamic art with exemplified studies of structures like the Dome of the Rock.
- “Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths” by Karen Armstrong: Explores the religious significance of Jerusalem within the three major Abrahamic traditions.
Takeaways
- The Dome of the Rock symbolizes Islamic architectural ingenuity and the significance of Jerusalem in Islam.
- It serves as a visual statement of Islamic religious dominance during the Umayyad period.
- The shrine integrates Roman and Byzantine architectural features, presenting a blend of pre-Islamic and Islamic art traditions.
Conclusion
The Qubbat al-Sakhra stands as an enduring monument in Jerusalem, not only embodying the religious ethos of early Islam but also serving as a masterpiece that harmonizes artistic motifs across varied cultures. It remains a vital symbol in Islamic and global heritage outliving the intensions of Abd al-Malik manifesting as profound connection between Heaven and Earth through Islamic precepts and aesthetics.
