and Christians do. Likewise, the Rock is venerated only by the Jews and some Christians.
What some ignorant people claim about it—that it bears the imprint of the Prophet’s foot, his turban, and so forth—is all false. Still more false is the notion that it marks the place of the Lord’s foot. Likewise, the claim that a certain place is the cradle of Jesus, peace be upon him, is false; it was merely a Christian baptistery. Equally false are the claims that the Bridge and the Balance are there, or that the wall which will be erected between Paradise and Hell is the wall built to the east of the mosque. Likewise, venerating the chain or its location is not prescribed in Islam.
Section
There is no place in Jerusalem to be sought out for worship other than al-Aqsā Mosque. However, it is good to visit the graves of the dead, greet them, and pray for mercy upon them, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught his Companions. For the Prophet, peace be upon him, “used to teach his Companions, when they visited graves, that each should say: ‘Peace be upon you, inhabitants of these dwellings, believing men and women. We shall, if Allah wills, join you. May Allah have mercy on those among us and you who have gone before and those who come after. We ask Allah for well-being for ourselves and for you. O Allah, do not deprive us of the reward for our loss of them, do not put us to trial after them, and forgive us and them.’”