MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 184
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[Page 184]
about it to us talking at the rate of about 19 to doz.
Over the Altar in the chapel is the inscription in Latin "Forgive them father for they know not what they do!" & which they have to say every day during Mass.
Leaving here we went on to the Mosque of Omar raised by the Caliph Omar in 7th Century & which is the 2nd centre of importance in the Mohamedan faith. Before going in we had to take off our boots as no one is allowed in wearing boots or shoes.
Inside this mosque is a big stone with a hole in the centre which is said by the Mohamedans to be the place where Mohammed ascended to Heaven. The rock was supposed to have tried to follow him in. The Hebrews believed that this was where the sacrifices used to be held, the hole in the rock being to drain the blood away.
Also there is a part of the rock supposed to have been the imprint of Mohammed's hand. Also a casket containing 3 hairs reputed to be hairs of Mohammed. The Rock is surrounded by a Lattice work screen.