Pictured Here: The Ibrahimi Mosque filled with visitors. 

The Israa and Miraj refer to, two parts of a miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad took in one night from Makka to Jerusalem and then ascension to the heavens.

Israa is an Arabic word referring to Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey from Makka to Jerusalem - specifically, to the site of al-Aqsa Mosque. Gabriel (an angel) took the Prophet at night from the Ka'bah to the mosque in Jerusalem on a Buraq. (The name of the heavenly steed on which the Prophet rode on during his nocturnal journey from Makka to Jerusalem, and then to the heavens). On reaching Jerusalem, the Prophet, along with other Prophets, offered prayers.

It is believed to have been followed by the Mi'raj, his ascension to heaven. Gabriel took him to the heavens by a rock -which now the Dome of the Rock mosque refers to- and the Prophet met several great Prophets in different heavenly spheres. Finally, he reached the highest point in the heavens and was graced with an experience of the Divine Presence. Thereafter, the Prophet returned from the heavens to Jerusalem, and from there to the Holy Mosque in Makka.

The Ibrahimi Mosque is split between Muslims and Jews for most of the year. However, ten days of the year each group is allowed full access to the site while the other group is excluded. Today is one of those days where Muslims have priority over the space. 

(April 3, 2019)

Pictured above: Barriers dividing the road with the larger section just for settlers. 

After the joy witnessed near the mosque, the next checkpoint, which is near the settlers’ Visitors’ Centre, introduced a very different atmosphere. Here the road turns towards Shuhada Street and the soldiers had divided the road. With crush barriers, they created a narrow path to corral the Palestinians and visiting Muslims. On the other side of the barrier, there was a wide and generous road for the settlers. Soldiers were posted along the barrier, watching the Palestinians as they made their way to the mosque to pray and then to enjoy the souk. The crowd here was much quieter and tenser.

(April 3, 2019)

Pictured here: Customers standing in line for freshly boiled corn. 

The crowds brought out a few local entrepreneurs, a huge pot, and lots of corn. One of the hottest days since the start of winter wrapping up did not slow the constant stream of customers. The hustle and bustle of the day was reminiscent of a time before the Ibrahimi Mosque was occupied by Israeli authorities and when Shuhada Street was still open. 

(April 3, 2019)