Jumma Prayer

Today, our goal was to make it to Masjid Al-Aqsa for jumma prayer. Sometimes the soldiers, if there is a “security threat”, they don’t allow anyone under 40 from attending. As we got on the taxi bus, I quickly realized that people from all over the areas were coming for the prayer. As we got to the Quds and entered its gates, all we had to do was just follow the wave of people since they were all heading for the prayer. Alhamdulillah, the guards did not give us any trouble and we were able to prayer at the haram. I was in the 6th row behind the imam. After the prayer, I met back up with Iman and the crowd was amazing. In different areas of the haram, there were small study circles with people teaching various lessons. Iman had made it out before me and she said that the place, even in the courtyard was full with people. I had a choice between staying in the courtyard to see the crowd or go up to the masjid and try to get to the front. I don’t regret going into the masjid as it was great to pray inside.

Afterwards, we went to the wailing (Western) wall and the funny thing was that we asked an Arab vendor where it was, and he give us a look that said why would we want to go…. He asked us if we were Muslim and then showed us where but very reluctantly. Even the guard was wondering why 4 Muslims would want to go the wall, and we just told him to see a religious and historical site!!! What’s wrong with that? I was surprised how few people were there from what we could see and the men and women were separated by a wall. I guess I found out where we get our “walls” from in Islam ☺

We stayed a very short while and then proceed to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It was magnificent!!! Architecture was beautiful, the paintings were great, and we got to see the burial spot of Jesus. There were quite a few foreigners and tour groups and interestingly, the prices of the goods in this area were almost double the same thing you could buy in the Arab quarters. Usually the Christians don’t go to the Arab side at all and this is the best proof of this. After spending a good 6 ours in the Quds, we called it a day and went back home…..