Aerial from East
Built atop the earlier location of the Temple, the Dome of the Rock was erected by the Muslim ruler Abd el-Malik in 688-691. Because of its situation on bedrock, the numerous earthquakes over the centuries have not caused significant damage to the structure (unlike its neighbor Al Aqsa mosque). This shrine was covered by a lead dome from 691 until it was replaced with a gold-colored covering in 1965. Because of rust, the anodized aluminum cover was again replaced in 1993 with a gold covering.
Dome with Mt. of Olives
The Mt. of Olives overlooks the Temple Mount from the east and gives a picture of Jesus' weeping over the city from the Mt. of Olives (Luke 19:41). From the Temple Mount Jesus delivered the famous "7 Woes" against the Pharisees (Matt 23), probably pointing at tombs on the Mt. of Olives in his discourse (v. 27). Jesus' ascension probably took place some distance behind the tower of the Russian Orthodox Church.
View from South
Sometimes referred to as the "Mosque of Omar," actually the Dome of the Rock is neither. Omar built an earlier structure, but not the Dome of the Rock. And this building is considered a shrine and not a mosque. Men pray instead at the Al Aqsa mosque located 200 meters to the south. Muslims believe that this is the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Ishmael.
Founding Inscription
Inside the building in classical Arabic is inscribed, "O you People of the Book, overstep not bounds in your religion, and of God speak only the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is only an apostle of God, and his Word which he conveyed unto Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from him. Believe therefore in God and his apostles, and say not Three. It will be better for you. God is only one God. Far be it from his glory that he should have a son."
from: www.bibleplaces.com
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