Rock, The

By Kanan Makiya

Book Description

In the heart of Jerusalem stands a sacred rock that has witnessed humanity's most profound spiritual moments across millennia. Kanan Makiya weaves together the rich tapestry of stories, legends, and beliefs surrounding this hallowed stone to create a deeply moving exploration of faith and divine connection.

Through masterful storytelling, Makiya brings to life the seventh-century construction of the Dome of the Rock, following the spiritual journey of Ka'b al-Ahbar, a Jewish scholar who embraced Muhammad's prophecy and walked alongside Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab during the conquest of the Holy City. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Ka'b's son, Ishaq, who receives the monumental task of designing Islam's first great monument.

This historically grounded work illuminates how one sacred site connects Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through shared reverence and overlapping traditions. From Adam's fall to Abraham's sacrifice, from Solomon's Temple to Jesus's teachings, from Muhammad's ascension to heaven, the Rock emerges as a powerful symbol of humanity's eternal quest for the divine.

Makiya offers readers a profound meditation on the common spiritual ground that unites the world's three great monotheistic faiths. Through vivid characters and rich historical detail, he invites us to contemplate what lies beyond religious boundaries and discover the universal human longing for connection with the sacred.