Khaberni - Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places, Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaileh, confirmed that reopening the doors of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers represents a resumption of religious life and a return to performing rituals in its precincts after a closure period that lasted for more than 40 days.
Al-Khalaileh pointed out that the reopening of the doors of the Al-Aqsa Mosque came thanks to the efforts made by Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, within the framework of the Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and His Majesty's continuous efforts to protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque and ensure freedom of worship there.
He added that crowds of worshippers have flocked since the early hours of Thursday morning, in a touching scene of faith that reflects the deep connection of Muslims with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and their adherence to their right to access it and perform their worship.
He affirmed that the ministry's staff continues to work on organizing the entry of worshippers and providing the appropriate ambiance for performing prayers, emphasizing the importance of continuing presence in the mosque and strengthening the bond in it despite the challenges.
Al-Khalaileh reiterated that the entire area of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, spanning 144 dunams, is an exclusive right of the Muslims, unacceptable to be divided or shared, and it is a purely Islamic place of worship, rejecting any attempts to tamper with its identity or impose a conflicting reality.
On his part, the Director-General of Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs indicated that initial estimates show that about six thousand worshippers performed the Fajr prayer, with more worshippers continuing to flock to the mosque.
