How to Visit Temple Mount, Dome of Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque inside

Temple Mount in the old city is the holy site for Jews, Muslims and Christians. When visiting Jerusalem, many visitors want to visit Temple Mount to see the Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Temple Mount compound is opened for visitors during specific opening hours but there are some restrictions. Therefore, it is very important to know about those restrictions. I have personally visited and this blog has all the information that should know before visiting.

Al-Aqsa Mosque front entrance

History of The Temple Mount

Temple Mount is considered as the Jewish holiest place and the parts of the Temple Mount walls which were built around the Mount Moriah dates back to the Second Jewish Temple. It is the also the place where Prophet Abraham offered to sacrifice his son (Jewish belief it was Isaac and according to Muslims it was Ismail)

It is the 3rd holiest place for Muslims after Mecca and Madinah and from where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made his "Night's Journey" to heaven. When Muslim's conquered Jerusalem, they built a shrine known as Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. This iconic gold-topped shrine is the postcard image of Jerusalem. Approx. 200kg gold is used on the Dome which was donated by Jordanian King.

Temple Mount during Visiting Hours

Visiting Temple Mount

The Palestinian-Jordanian society called Waqf controls the Temple Mount compound and set out rules for the visitors. All visitors are allowed to enter Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa compound but not allowed to pray or enter inside the Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The visitors can enter from Mughrabi Gate near the Western wall during specific hours. It is important to come early as queues can very long.

The visitor's opening hours are

Winter: 7:30 am – 10:30 am and 12:30pm – 1:30 pm
Summer: 8:30am – 11:30am and 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Temple Mount is closed on Friday and Saturday

While visiting Temple Mount dress appropriately and Non-Muslims must refrain from praying even moving your lips can put you in trouble with the authorities.

Muslims are allowed to enter Temple Mount from all gates and can enter the Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. There are also no time restrictions for Muslims.

Dome of Rock Inside

Dome of Rock is very beautiful from inside and being a Muslim it has been a dream to visit this holy place. I have taken some pictures of the interior of the Dome of Rock which will give you an idea of how beautiful this place is