Thousands head to Jerusalem for Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa; hundreds turned away
Ma’an News Date: 26 / 09 / 2008 Time: 09:53
Bethlehem – – The restrictions imposed on Palestinians wishing to pray at the
Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Friday were the strictest yet on the last Friday
of the holy month of Ramadan.
Last Friday over 200,000 Muslims journeyed to the mosque for the Friday noon
prayer, and numbers are expected to be higher on this last Friday. For those
coming from the West Bank, however, restrictions will prevent all but men over
55 and women over 45 from entering Jerusalem.
On previous Fridays the Israeli army allowed Palestinian men between 45 and 55
with permits to visit Jerusalem through West Bank checkpoints, along with women
between 30 and 45.
Thousands of Palestinian crowded at the Qalandiya and Bethlehem (Gilo)
checkpoints early Friday in an attempt to cross and pray at the mosque, but
hundreds were turned home.
The last Friday of Ramadan is traditionally the most important, as it comes
before the Eid Al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan celebration. In Jerusalem at the
close of the month of fasting, many religious festivals are held; markets are
crowded with shoppers buying foods and gifts for family members, and members of
the Muslim community coming together in recognition of a successful month of
fasting and reflection.
While restrictions are tight for West Bank Palestinians wishing to worship at
the holy Al-Aqsa mosque, residents of the Gaza Strip are entirely prohibited
from Jerusalem. This year marks the tenth in a row that Gazans have been unable
to pilgrimage to Jerusalem
http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=32178
<http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=32178>
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PoEtEsS
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[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
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