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***Note to peer reviewer: This sandbox contains additions to the existing Wikipedia article: Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock is lavishly and artfully composed with Quranic inscriptions, frescoes, marble veneers, sculpted friezes, and glass and gilded wall mosaics to create a luminous and breathtaking effect to those who enter this divine monument.[1] The buildings radiant and shimmery effect is formed with luxurious materials and techniques that emphasize holiness while expressing the faith of the religion of Islam. Studies show that these designs are created to illustrate three important themes of this religion which are; the absolute sovereignty and mercy of God or Allah, the privileged position of the Prophet Muhammad, and the divine origin of earthly authorities[2]. Before explaining the meanings of the interior design it is important to highlight the absence of any figurative decoration or imaging in the architecture, inscriptions, or mosaic decorations of the Dome of the Rock as it reverberates notions of sanctity and inviolability. [2]
As an individual enters this divine building, they will notice the use of Arabic and Kufic inscription surrounding the building with 240 meters long of script. Researchers show that this band is written in a clockwise then counterclockwise motion all throughout the octagonal arcade and arches.[3] This unique commemorative monument is commissioned by caliph Abd al-Malik who was later known as Al Ma'mun, he helped illustrate these serene band which echo verses and invocations to primarily glorify and repeatedly invoke God as "The Merciful and most Compassionate." These inscription includes some of the earliest surviving verses of the Qur’an and distinctive Islamic prayers each starting with the opening word of "basmala.” [2] These versus are known as surahs which are divided into six unequal parts[4] each containing Quranic passages presenting the core values of Islam within verbatim quotations from the Quran and Hadith. The use of this visual vocabulary reveals the Islamic confession of one’s shahada, their belief of only one God and Muhammad as his prophet, and revelation of the Quran to the Prophet and believers of Islam. The surahs continuously portrays praises and prayers of a Muslim believer commitment to "The Eternal, The One God, as they believe their is no one is comparable to him" and pledge to never overstep the bounds this religion[4]. Prayers specifically states "Indeed God and His angels bless the Prophet. O you who believe send blessings on him and salute him with full salutation[3]" (Quran 33:56) pledging to believe prophets as messengers that are blessed and worthy of salutation. Furthermore, the building's southeast and northern side arcade inscription continues to illustrate Gods oneness and refutation of Christian doctrine while portraying Islam's view of Jesus, the son of Mary who was known as Messiah. Prayers state "O God, bless Your messenger and servant Jesus, son of Mary. Peace be upon him on the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up alive."[2]
The mystical interior decoration of the Dome of the Rock is also designed with gilt wooden beams and a ceiling of leather embossed with ornaments[5]. The walls are inventively embellished with a variety of royal jewels such as breastplates, necklaces, votive crowns, and earrings that are set with precious stones either as incrustations or as hanging[4]. These imperial ornaments originated from the Byzantine and Persian princes as they symbolized holiness, power, and sovereignty of their empires. The royal jewels and crown displayed are known to have uplifting value to its beholders which where eventually embroidered into the walls to reflect the artistic theme of Byzantine origin and symbolizes the unbeliever's submission to Islam[4]. The upper floor interior design continues to flaunt mosaic revetment of vine scrolls with fruits issuing from lush acanthus leaves bound together with diadems and rings[2]. There also lies ornamented of fruit-bearing scrolls, plants, and cornucopias growing from variegated vessels surmounted with a central almond-shaped bud fused with extravagant pieces of jewelry of tiaras, bracelets, and pendants creating a sparkling view. [2] Each jewel embellished is used as a symbol of the conquering power or faith within the conquered land and exemplifies the final truth of Islam while enhancing the sanctuary's holiness.
- ^ Blackwell, Wiley. "A Companion to Islamic Art and Architecture". Sacred Spaces in Early Islam. Volume I From the Prophet to the Mongols: pg. 143.
{{cite journal}}:|pages=has extra text (help);|volume=has extra text (help) - ^ a b c d e f Necipoğlu, Gülrü. "The Dome of the Rock as Palimpsest: Abd al-Malik's Grand Narrative and Sultan Süleyman's Glosses". In Muqarnas: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World.: pg. 45-57.
{{cite journal}}:|pages=has extra text (help) - ^ a b Blackwell, Wiley (2011). Islamic Art and Visual Culture: An Anthology of Sourses. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 100.
- ^ a b c d Grabar, Oleg. "The Umayyad Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem". Washington, D.C: Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution and Fine Arts Department, University of Michigan. Vol.3, : pg.33-62.
{{cite journal}}:|pages=has extra text (help);|volume=has extra text (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ Nuseibeh, S., Grabar, O., Grabar, P. E. o. I. A. a. A. O. (2006). The Dome of the Rock. United Kingdom: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.