Awqaf leaders stress importance of Jerusalem, Al Aqsa to Muslims

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday attended a ceremony held by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs to mark the occasion of Al Israa wal Miraj, held at the cultural centre of the King Abdullah I Mosque.

Marked on Rajab 27, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Al Israa wal Miraj refers to the nocturnal journey of Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, from the Grand Mosque in Mecca to Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, from where he ascended to heaven.

In remarks at the ceremony, Awqaf Minister Abdul Nasser Abul Basal and Jerusalem Awqaf Council President Abdul Azim Salhab stressed the importance of Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif for Muslims, a Royal Court statement said.

Awqaf Minister Abul Basal highlighted King Abdullah’s unwavering position on Jerusalem, as the Hashemite Custodian of its Islamic and Christian holy sites, noting that all Jordanians are united behind His Majesty.

Jerusalem Awqaf Council President Salhab expressed appreciation for the King’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and for undertaking the Hashemite Custodianship, noting that Jerusalemites will remain committed to Al Aqsa Mosque, according to the statement.

Salhab urged other leaders to support His Majesty’s position towards united Arab action that counters violations against Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Senior officials and officers, a number of lawmakers, heads of security agencies, diplomats and several members of the Jerusalem Awqaf Council attended the
ceremony.