The Threat to Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem's Islamic Heritage
The ongoing Israeli occupation poses significant threats to the Islamic exclusivity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the historical integrity of Jerusalem. Recent discussions, particularly following the “Al-Aqsa Flood” battle, highlight the intensified efforts by Israeli authorities to implement Judaization plans in the city. Professor Abdullah Marouf, a noted scholar in Jerusalem Studies, emphasized the rich history of Jerusalem, asserting that the city’s significance predates the Jewish claims tied to the time of the Prophet David. He references biblical antiquities research, underscoring that Jerusalem was home to a civilization long before the arrival of the Children of Israel.
The narrative surrounding the Jewish claim to Jerusalem, as articulated by Marouf, is rooted in a belief that connects the land to the descendants of Abraham. However, he argues that the Islamic perspective sees the land's inheritance as contingent upon righteousness and reform, rather than ethnic lineage. This theological distinction is crucial in understanding the current dynamics at play in the region.
In a broader context, since the declaration of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 1948, the city has undergone significant territorial changes, with 82% of its area falling under Israeli control. The annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967 further complicated the situation, as Israeli authorities classified its Arab inhabitants as foreigners, fundamentally altering their identity within the city.
Current Dangers Facing Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque itself is under increasing threat, as noted by activist Hanadi Al-Halwani. She pointed out that the Israeli occupation is attempting to impose sovereignty over the mosque, aiming to alter its status through plans that have been in the making for years. One of the most concerning proposals includes the construction of a temple or synagogue within the mosque’s vicinity, particularly in the eastern area where the Al-Rahma Prayer Hall is located. This move is viewed as a direct challenge to the mosque’s Islamic identity.
Moreover, Professor Marouf highlighted the ongoing excavations beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque, which are ostensibly aimed at uncovering remnants of the alleged Jewish temples. However, he notes that no significant archaeological evidence has been found to support these claims. Instead, the occupation has resorted to using underground tunnels for rituals, which raises further concerns about the integrity of the mosque and its surroundings.
In light of the recent conflict in Gaza, Marouf argues that there has been a concerted effort to diminish the role of the Islamic Endowments Department, which is linked to Jordan, in managing Al-Aqsa Mosque. This is perceived as part of a broader strategy to assert control over the site and reshape its administration, undermining its Islamic heritage. Marouf warns that the situation in Jerusalem mirrors the violence seen in Gaza, with the ultimate goal being the removal of Islamic exclusivity in the management of Al-Aqsa Mosque, a matter of grave concern for Muslims worldwide.
