On top of Temple Mount in Jerusalem stands one of the world holiest building on earth revered by millions – and as such is one of the world’s greatest examples of cultural appropriation.

The Rock around which it is built is the Foundation Stone, limestone bedrock which the ancient Israelites worshipped as the origin point of creation, the location of Abraham’s binding of Isaac per Genesis 22:2-14, and the base for the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple  and its Second Temple successor, which the Romans destroyed in 70 AD.

All of this tradition was appropriated in 691 AD by Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, who built  the octagonal structure you see enshrining the Jewish Foundation Stone as Islam’s, claiming it to be the site where Mohammed ascended to Heaven during his Night Journey.  Which is why no infidel non-Muslim is allowed entrance to see The Rock.  You can, however, see a photo of the Foundation Stone here. (Glimpses of Our Breathtaking World #312 photo ©Jack Wheeler)