The Dome of the Rock illuminating the night sky
Palestine – The splendour and importance of Masjidul Aqsa often stands in the shadow of the illustrious Haramain in Makkah and Madinah. Right now, the Al Aqsa Educational and Spiritual tour is in full motion, casting a brilliant spotlight on the esteemed third holiest site in Islam.
This exceptional voyage, a collaborative effort between Salaamedia and the seasoned tour operator Ayoob Dadabhay, is nothing short of an awakening. The tour group left South Africa on the 25th of September and landed in Tel Aviv at 3am the following day.
After reaching their hotel, having a well deserved rest, day one started off with Zuhr salaah at Masjid al-Bahr, which means The Sea Mosque, in the Old City of Jaffa. It is the oldest extant mosque in the historical part of Jaffa and it is believed to have been built in 1675, explained Moulana Moosa Akoodie. Masjid al-Bahr overlooks the sea and it is said that the Muslim sailors prayed here before going out to sea.
The group also visited the Mahmoudiya Mosque which is the largest and most significant mosque in Jaffa. It is composed of a complex of buildings arranged around two large courtyards and a third, smaller courtyard. The group also visited the Fountain Sabil Suleiman where an ancient inscription was found during the restoration of the fountain. It is believed to be from the 14th-century.
The Mahmoudiya Mosque
The Mahmoudiya Mosque
The entrance to the Mahmoudiya Mosque
Fountain Sabil Suleiman where the ancient inscription is
The Jaffa Clock Tower stands in the middle of the north end of Yefet Street in Jaffa. The tower, built of limestone, incorporates two clocks and is one of seven clock towers built in Ottoman Palestine.
The entrance to the Old City of Jaffa
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm embrace over the day’s adventures, the group moved toward the sacred Al Aqsa Compound. They embarked on a journey through its filled grounds. Sitting within the warm embrace of Masjidul Aqsa, the Azaan was called, caressing their hearts. And there, they found solace, joining in unity to perform salaah in the cherished embrace of Masjidul Aqsa.
Furthermore, the group was graced with the opportunity to walk within the sacred confines of the Dome of the Rock. Built majestically at the summit of the Haram complex, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to beauty and devotion. Its octagonal footprint gently cradles a 20 metre dome, once cloaked in sheets of lead. Ornate calligraphy graces both the interior and exterior, bearing witness to some of the most ancient Quranic inscriptions known to humanity. Whether gazed upon from nearby or afar, the golden dome bestows its radiant glow upon the night sky. It is truly a sight worth seeing.
The Dome of the Rock
The tour group standing in front of the Dome of the Rock
Inside the Dome of the Rock
With today being 12 Rabi ul Awwal, the Al Aqsa compound was quite busy. This morning was almost a free day for the group, said Dadabhay. Everyone was getting acquainted with the Old City. The group did do part of the walking to Masjidul Aqsa this morning but the rest of the day was free with supper being hosted by a Palestinian family.
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