COVID-19
Al-Aqsa Mosque reopens to worshippers – Jerusalem
After over two months of lockdown for the Coronavirus, Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been reopened, international news agencies.
Tens of thousands of mosques across Saudi Arabia reopen for the first time in more than two months. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site for Muslims after Saudi Arabia’s Mecca and Medina, also reopened for prayer. https://t.co/0K8vdvjkDs
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 31, 2020
The Council of Islamic Waqf, which oversees Muslim sites on the complex, said the restriction was lifted after the virus’ spread slowed down locally.
The council also imposed some precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contagion at Islam’s third-holiest site.
That is, worshippers must wear face masks and bring personal prayer rugs should they wish to pray in the mosque or on the grounds.
It worth mentioning that the Al-Aqsa Mosque which is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam.
The mosque was built on top of the Temple Mount, known as the Al Aqsa Compound or Haram-e-Sharif in Islam.
Celebrating the reopening, dozens of Muslims gathered in front of the large wooden doors, pronouncing, “God is greatest, we will protect Al-Aqsa with our soul and blood.”
Reportedly, the resumption of prayers capped a somber period for Jerusalem’s Muslims, who this year marked the fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday without their usual daily visits to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
