I don’t have access to the particular guide referenced, but I don’t doubt that it is true. Of course, the statement was made in a different day and age. But now that politics are different, so is truth.
From a letter to the editor, Jerusalem Post, Oct 31, 2007:
Sir, – I read with interest “Jerusalem mufti: Western Wall was never part of Jewish temple” (October 25).
The kind of denial by former mufti Ikrema Sadi is somehow disputed by no more and no less than the institution he represents: the Supreme Muslim Council. In an official guide published by the council in 1930, it states: “This site is one of the oldest in the world. Its sanctity dates from the earliest times. It’s identity with the site of Solomon’s Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the spot, according to universal belief, on which ‘David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings’ from 2 Samuel XXIV, 25.”
The rest is here.
UPDATE (11/21): Reader Sean Q has located a copy of the guide and has scanned it. You can download it in pdf format here.
3 thoughts on “Muslims Recognize Temple's Existence”
Todd,
One of my professors here at Talbot has an actual copy of the very guide referenced in this letter to the editor. I’ll see if I can’t scan it for you.
Ken McKinley
Hi Todd,
After reading this article I searched the internet for references. I actually found the 1925 version of the book referenced, on eBay for $6. I received it in the mail last night and to my surprise the article is 100% correct.
Two parts of interest are on page 4
“. Its identity with the
site of Solomon’s Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the
spot, according to the universal belief, on which “ David built
there an altar unto the Lord , and offered burnt offerings and
peace offerings”. (1)”
— and the foot note reads —
“1) 2 Samuel XXIV, 25”
and page 16
” It dates probably as far back as the construction
of Solomon’s Temple. “
I’ll email you more info.
Keep up the good work.
Sean.Q.
I found that quote several years ago. It’s nice to finally get the entire guide.
Jim Lancaster