Hashemite role in preserving Al Aqsa Mosque remembered

By Arslan Ramadan

NOTHING HOLDS a special significance in the hearts and the minds of Muslims around the world than the city of Jerusalem, particularly Al Aqsa Mosque. The struggle for the preservation of Al Aqsa is as old as the Ummayyad dynasty that built it in the 7th century A.D. But in contemporary times, the Hashemites have striven relentlessly to preserve the place due to its spiritual and historical significance for all Muslims.

In 1925, Sharif Hussein, gave a generous donation amounting to 25,000 gold lira for the purpose of restoring Al Aqsa. The final touches on the restoration of the mosque ended in 1927.

The indispensable role of Sharif Hussein in financing the restoration of Al Aqsa was supplemented by many prominent Palestinians.

Had the restoration not taken place, the earthquake which hit Jerusalem and the coastal areas would have been endangered the mosque's foundation. Sharif Hussein acted promptly and the whole structure of the mosque was saved form ruin. When the Sharif died, he was buried in the vicinity of Al Aqsa in accordance with the wishes of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who hold him in high esteem for his deeds.

Interestingly enough, the picture above, showing Prince Abdullah and the mufti of Palestine, Haj Amein Al Husseini, at the opening ceremony of the mosque was first published in the Egyptian newspaper, Al Hilal, in 1928