Note 75 — Chapter XVI · SALADIN.

The mihráb, that is, of the Jámi‘ el Aksa, as being that of the congregational building, and therefore the principal one in the enclosure. It is necessary to bear in mind a few facts, which are perfectly clear from the statements of the Arab historians (in the original), but which are either neglected or misinterpreted by many European writers, and notably by Mr. Fergusson. These are: 1. That the Masjid el Aksa is the whole Haram Area, including the Jámi‘ el Aksa and Cubbet es Sakhrah, as well as all the smaller oratories, mosques, minarets, &c. 2. That all these were built by ‘Abd el Melik (see p. 77), and that the Cubbet es Sakhrah is only mentioned more specially than the other buildings erected by that prince because of its magnificent proportions and the peculiar sanctity of the spot it covers. 3. That the Cubbet es Sakhrah is only a supplementary building (see p. 83). 4. That when the pulpit, the “kiblah,” &c., of the Masjid el Aksa is spoken of it must always be referred to that of the Jámi‘ el Aksa; just as when speaking of the chancel of an English cathedral we should mean that of the main building, and not that of the lady chapel, and still less of any oratory, however large, that might exist in another part of the close. The account in the text is taken from Mejír-ed-dín. The inscription recording Saladin’s restorations may still be seen in letters of gold over the mihráb of the Jámi‘ el Aksa.