Foundation Stone - Islamic Significance

Islamic Significance

The Noble Sanctuary, where the Foundation Stone is located is thought by commentators of the Qur'an to be the place where the prophet Muhammad traveled to in the Night Journey. According to Islamic belief, angels visited the site 2,000 years before the creation of Adam. It is also thought to be the place where Israfel, the angel of the trumpet, will sound his horn on Resurrection Day. Despite the fact that Hadith traditions record the ascension of the prophet Mohammad into heaven as originating in Mecca, it is commonly taught that he ascended from the Foundation Stone, now covered by the Dome of the Rock.

Beneath the Foundation Stone is a cavern known as the Well of Souls. The Well of Souls is sometimes thought of as the traditional hiding place of the Ark of the Covenant. For this reason, the Dome of the Rock was built over it, and it is the original place Muslims faced while praying (they now face towards Mecca).