description Mosque of Umar Overview
The Mosque of Umar is a historic Islamic house of worship located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, opposite the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The current structure was built in 1193 CE by al-Afdal ibn Salah ad-Din, son of the Ayyubid sultan Saladin. According to tradition, it stands on or near the site where Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Rashidun caliph, prayed after accepting the surrender of Jerusalem in 637 CE. The mosque commemorates the caliph's assurance of religious freedom to the city's Christian inhabitants.
help Mosque of Umar FAQ
Where is the Mosque of Umar in Jerusalem located?
The Mosque of Umar is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, directly opposite the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Its placement in this heavily Christian area is highly historically significant.
When was the Mosque of Umar in Jerusalem built?
This historic Islamic house of worship was built in 1193 CE. It was commissioned by Al-Afdal ibn Salah ad-Din, the son of the famous Ayyubid leader Saladin.
Is this the same mosque where Caliph Umar prayed after conquering Jerusalem?
It is a memorial to that event; according to tradition, the second Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab refused to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to prevent Muslims from turning it into a mosque. The existing Mosque of Umar was built centuries later to mark the spot where he did pray, located in the courtyard outside.
What does the interior of the Mosque of Umar look like?
The interior is quite modest compared to larger, more famous Jerusalem mosques like the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It features a beautiful mihrab indicating the direction of Mecca, traditional Islamic geometric designs, and a quiet, contemplative prayer space.
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