Islamic Leader Urges Muslims to Visit Jerusalem Holy Site Mon, 5 Jan 2015 JERUSALEM: The head of the worlds largest Islamic organization on Monday paid a rare visit to Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque, urging Muslims to follow suit to strengthen Palestinian claims to the holy site. The visit by Iyad Madani, secretary-general of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, came at a sensitive time following months of tensions surrounding the spot in Jerusalems Old City. The hilltop compound is revered by Jews and Muslims and is a frequent flashpoint of violence. Madani is a citizen of Saudi Arabia, an Arab country that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and is the guardian of Islams most important sites. Al-Aqsa is Islams third-holiest site, after places in the Saudi cities of Mecca and Medina. Coming to the mosque is a right for me as well as every Muslim, Madani said. It is our right to come here and to pray here. No occupation authority should take this right from us. Israel captured east Jerusalem, including the Old City, in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed the area in a move that is not internationally recognized. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:37:36 +0000