TEMPLE MOUNT Meaning and
Definition
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Temple Mount refers to a historically and religiously significant site located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is a raised platform or hill situated in the southeast corner of the walled area, commonly known as the Temple Mount compound or the Noble Sanctuary. The site holds tremendous religious significance for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
In Jewish tradition, Temple Mount is considered the holiest site since it is believed to be the location of the First and Second Jewish Temples, the focal points of ancient Jewish worship. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is part of the retaining wall on the western side of Temple Mount and is revered as the most sacred site in Judaism.
For Muslims, it is known as Haram al-Sharif, translating to the Noble Sanctuary. The site is believed to hold the third holiest Islamic shrine, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock. According to Islamic tradition, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the place from which Prophet Muhammad traveled to heaven during the Night Journey.
In Christian belief, Temple Mount holds historical and religious importance as Jesus Christ is believed to have visited the Second Jewish Temple during his lifetime.
Due to the complex and sensitive nature of the site, Temple Mount has been a source of ongoing political and religious tensions. It is under the administration of the Islamic Waqf and access to the area is regulated by Israeli authorities.
Etymology of TEMPLE MOUNT
The term "Temple Mount" refers to the elevated platform in Jerusalem, where the Jewish Temples of ancient times once stood. The etymology of the word can be divided into two parts:
1. Temple: "Temple" comes from the Latin word "templum", which originally meant a piece of ground consecrated for taking auguries (interpreting omens), but later evolved to represent a sacred place or building for religious worship. The Latin word "templum" itself is believed to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*tem-", which means "to cut" or "to divide". This root likely suggests the ancient practice of dividing or marking a designated area for religious or ceremonial purposes.
2. Mount: "Mount" is synonymous with a mountain or elevated place. It is derived from the Old English word "munt", which is derived from the Latin word "mons".
