Jordan Embarks on Historic Revamp Of Al-Aqsa Walls

AMMAN, October 24 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - The Jordanian committee responsible for the restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest shrine, has launched a mammoth project to revamp the mosques’ wall, the first such drive in four centuries.

"It is the first real restoration of the mosque’s walls since the 16th century," Raef Najm, the committee’s deputy chairman, told Agence France Presse (AFP).

"It is a historic project to preserve an important part of the human civilization," he said.

The UN Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) added Al-Aqsa mosque to the world heritage list in 1982 and reassured its decision in 2004.

The committee, established in 1929, started a few days ago a sophisticated operation to repair the eastern wall of the mosque which Najm expected to cost 100,000 dinars ($ 140,000).

The Jordanian architect said a modern technique is being used to repair the walls which were affected by time and water leakage.

"It is a modern technique used in preserving ancient walls. Such a technique allows the building to resist earthquakes as one whole body."

Groundless

Najm dismissed as groundless Israeli allegations that Al-Aqsa Mosque is likely to collapse under hundreds of thousands of Muslim worshipers who flock to the mosque during the fasting month of Ramadan.

"Al Aqsa is not likely to collapse over earthquakes unless all ancient buildings in the old city of Al Quds crumble down."

Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Ezra raised fears Sunday, September 26, about the possible collapse of part of Al-Aqsa compound.

A number of Palestinian officials described the Israeli claims as groundless and unscientific, only serving political interests.

In 2000, Israeli authorities also warned of a possible collapse of Al Aqsa Mosque.

"Israelis alleged there was a 100cm-long jutting in the southern wall, but we found only 35cm-long jutting and repaired it last year," Najm said.

The mosque compound, which is called Al-Haram Al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) by Muslims, houses the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In the aftermath of the 1967 war between Israel and Arabs, Israeli authorities reduced to rubble historical sites and corners near Al-Maghariba gate.

They erased Al-Maghariba alley in Al-Quds from the map, building on its ruins the so-called Jews alley.

A part of the road leading to one of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s main gates has collapsed due to ongoing Israeli excavations.

Fifth Minaret

The Jordanian committee also intends to construct a fifth minaret in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"Jordanian King Abdullah II has ordered the construction of this minaret, raising the number of mosque’s minarets to five," Najm said.

He added the new minaret will be built near the eastern wall in a way harmonious with other minarets.

The construction of the new minaret will begin by the coming year, said the Jordanian official.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the Muslims’ first Qiblah [direction Muslims take during prayers] and the third holiest shrine after Al Ka'bah in Makkah and Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Its significance has been reinforced by the incident of Al Isra'a and Al Mi'raj -- the night journey from Makkah to Al-Quds and the ascent to the Heavens by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).