Jordan Times
Wednesday, July 8, 1998
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.