In the center of new Dome is the blessed Stone
“This is certainly perhaps one of the most glorious out of property, of the very most finest for the tissues and you can strangest in shape . it’s an abundant show from loveliness . and rare beauty. Great majority associated with the decor try appeared with gold, so it glows such as quite a few white and you may flashes on the gleam from lightning. for the Prophet (God-bless your and give him comfort) ascended of it in order to heaven. It’s a good little bit of material, projecting on good man’s height, and you will underneath it there is certainly a cave. that have steps leading as a result of they. ” [Gibb, vol. We, p. 79.]
Damascus had immediately following already been the main city of Umayyad Kingdom founded by the Muawiya, the 4th caliph and you may a replacement of Muhammad.
“As for Damascus, this woman is brand new Heaven of Orient. She hath decorated herself with plant life regarding sweet-scented flowers, and displayed herself during the brocaded vestures out-of this lady landscapes. and you can metropolises cry so you’re able to thee ‘Stamp thy ft; here is a very good spring season to own thee to completely clean thyself and to help you drink’. ” [Gibb, p cupidon asexuel. 118, estimating Abu’l-Hasan Ibn Jubair]
During the time Ibn Battuta went to Damascus, it had been an international superascus was a middle regarding trading paths and therefore linked Egypt and you can Persia, and you may China Minor and the Black colored Sea part.