Bab al-Rahma Muslim cemetery
© Eitan Simanor
The Bab al-Rahmah cemetery or Cemetery of the Gate of Mercy, is located along the Eastern Wall of the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount).
It contains the graves of some of the close companions of prophet Muhammad and on the graves of Mujahideen who participated in the conquest of Jerusalem.
The choice for the location as a burial grounds probably reflects theological beliefs concerning the last judgment and resurrection connected to the Mount of Olives and the al-Sirat bridge, the bridge which every human must pass on the "Day of Resurrection" to enter Paradise.
It is said that it is thinner than a strand of hair and as sharp as the sharpest sword... The as-Sirat marker is allegedly located near the southern end of the eastern wall, part of the Bab al-Rahmah cemetery. It is believed to be the place where the al-Sirat bridge will be hung.