What all the effort and longing is all about — Al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock on the first Friday in Ramadan

With many thanks to a contributor who wishes to remain anonymous, here are some photos taken at Friday noon and evening prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque (where, if there are large numbers, only the men will pray) and the Dome of The Rock (ususally reserved for women), on the Haram as-Sharif mosque esplanade in the Old City of East Jerusalem.

The first picture shows the Sabil water fountain outside Al-Aqsa Mosque, the next shows people leaving Al-Aqsa after the main Friday prayer, the following five pictures are views of the Dome of the Rock; and the last is Al-Aqsa itself, on Friday night.

First Friday in Ramadan - Al-Aqsa Mosque - noon prayers

The First Friday of Ramadan - people leaving Al-Aqsa Mosque after main Friday prayer

First Friday in Ramadan - Dome of the Rock - evening prayers and crescent moon

First Friday in Ramadan - Dome of the Rock - evening prayers

First Friday in Ramadan - women praying at the Dome of the Rock - 5 Sept 08

First Friday in Ramadan - Dome of the Rock at night - 5 Sept 08

First Friday in Ramadan - Al-Aqsa Mosque at night - 5 Sept 08

5 thoughts on “What all the effort and longing is all about — Al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock on the first Friday in Ramadan”

  1. It is really worth the effort for the prayer in such Mosque is worth 500 times the individual prayer.
    At night also, when you can digest the huge food amounts after sunset. (You know you will be stuffed in Ramadan when your mama is a great cook).

  2. The pictures are great — the person who took them is aware of our thanks.

    As to the special bonus point system — some prayers allegedly being more valuable than others, one should be permitted to be modestly and discretely sceptical… and IMO, the effort to pray there is sufficiently justified by the beauty of the place, and for the joy and peace and beauty and glory of praying all together

  3. The effort is also justified and worth it because you can pray outside with a very nice wind flirting the ears and nose.

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