Blackburn imam leads prayers at Islam’s third holiest mosque
12th February, 2009
It’s not everyday when you get to lead the congregation at Islam’s third holiest mosque but that’s exactly what happened when a Blackburn imam went to pray at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Fazlurrahman Hassan, chaplain at Blackburn Hospital had gone to the Dome of the Rock to pray when there was some confusion about where the mosque’s imam had gone.
Taking the opportunity to lead the prayer, Fazlurrahman volunteered.
“It was an opportunity not to be missed and I felt blessed that I happened to be there,” said Fazlurrahman who was in Jerusalem on an inter-faith visit with a group of 21 Muslims and Christian from Building Bridges in Burnley
“Me and my friends were there to pray when there was some confusion about the whereabouts of the regular imam.
“Eager to get on with the prayers, the muezzin asked if anyone else was able to do it.
“So I decided to take up the opportunity and stepped forward and then the regular imam turned up.
“Seeing that I had already volunteered he asked me if I could read Arabic, I told him I can and I lead the congregation.”
The mosque is considered a holy site for Muslims because it’s believed Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven from a rock inside the mosque.
It’s also sacred to Christians and Jews as they believe it is the place where Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac.
The congregation at the Dome of the Rock was so happy with Fazlurrahman’s service they asked him to stay another hour and lead the late evening prayers as well.
“I’ve been here for a week and to pray here has been an overwhelming experience but to lead the prayers here has been a very special occasion.
“It felt a bit surreal and I still can’t believe it has happened.
“This is something I would always remember.
“Our Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) descended from heaven from this very mosque and for me to lead a congregation here was a truly blessed occasion.”