Over 80,000 worshipers gathered for Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque on March 21, 2025, amidst heightened security measures and ongoing tensions in the region. Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib, General Manager of the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem, confirmed the attendance, despite the ongoing conflict and restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.
Since Thursday, March 20, the influx of worshipers to Al-Aqsa has been notable, with many arriving in advance despite heavy rainfall. These gatherings occurred as the final ten days of Ramadan commenced, a significant spiritual period for Muslims. In preparation for this period, hundreds of worshipers opted to spend the night in the Mosque, engaging in prayers and reflection.
However, the atmosphere was markedly tense due to increased police presence around the Old City of Jerusalem. Israeli police deployed approximately 3,000 personnel at key locations, including entrances to the Old City and the mosque vicinity. This is the third consecutive Friday since Ramadan began that such extensive security measures have been observed, raising concerns among local religious leaders about the implications for worshipers.
After the Friday prayers, congregants utilized the mosque courtyards for reading the Qur’an and participating in communal learning sessions. This tradition of camaraderie extended into the evening, as thousands of worshipers remained at the mosque to break their fast and participate in the Tarawih prayers, creating a vibrant atmosphere despite the underlying tension.
Israeli authorities have implemented strict criteria for entry to the mosque, barring Palestinian men under 55 and women under 50 from the West Bank. This has resulted in the disappointment of many who were unable to attend due to these limitations, reflecting a broader strategy of restricting access since the onset of the recent conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has cast a long shadow over these religious observances. Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, the situation has escalated dramatically, with the Israeli military increasing operations in Gaza, leading to significant casualties. Official Palestinian data indicates that over 937 Palestinians have lost their lives, around 7,000 have been injured, and approximately 15,700 have been detained since the start of hostilities.
This surge in violence mirrors the historical context of tensions in the region, particularly in relation to seasonal religious practices. The Islamic Endowments Department has consistently urged vigilance during the last ten days of Ramadan, emphasizing that federal forces stop and verify identities of worshipers every year during this critical timeframe.
In light of these developments, the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem has highlighted the importance of maintaining spiritual dedication at Al-Aqsa and ensuring access for those who seek to observe Ramadan traditions. Despite the Israeli enforcement measures, efforts continue to uphold the religious practices vital to the community's faith.
The events at Al-Aqsa are not an isolated incident; they reflect the ongoing conflict and highlight the dire humanitarian conditions that have arisen from the violence. As international and local organizations continue to report on the situation in Gaza, the plight of civilians remains a prominent concern, with data showing over 162,000 Palestinian deaths and injuries since the beginning of Israel's military actions, with a significant majority being women and children.
In summary, as the holy month of Ramadan progresses, the complexities of access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the realities of the ongoing conflict substantially shape the experiences of worshipers. The blend of faith, tradition, and struggle remains at the forefront of this deeply entrenched conflict.
