Al-Aqsa mosque welcomes back thousands as doors reopen for Friday prayers

WEB DESK: The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem has resonated with the sound of collective prayer once again, as thousands of Palestinian worshippers gathered for the first Friday sermon following a weeks-long closure.

The site, which is the third holiest in Islam, had been shuttered to the public as part of stringent measures intended to curb the spread of the pandemic, leaving the vast courtyards uncharacteristically silent for nearly two months, according to the Express Tribune.

A poignant return to the Holy Site

As the gates swung open in the early hours of the morning, worshippers many visibly moved by the occasion were seen kneeling to kiss the ground before heading toward the silver-domed mosque and the iconic Dome of the Rock.

Whilst the atmosphere was one of quiet celebration and spiritual relief, the proceedings remained tempered by the new reality of the era.

The Waqf council, which oversees the site’s administration, deployed scouts and volunteers to ensure that the influx of people did not compromise safety protocols.

Strict health measures and social distancing

Despite the significant turnout, the prayer service looked markedly different from the pre-closure era. Worshippers were required to bring their own prayer mats, wear face coverings, and maintain a rigorous distance from one another, resulting in prayer lines that stretched far across the outdoor plazas.

Official mosque staff performed temperature checks at the entrances and frequently disinfected the limestone floors.

Though the threat of the virus remains a concern for local authorities, the reopening marks a symbolic milestone for the community, restoring a sense of normalcy to the heart of the Old City.