The temple, mounted by the vast gold-painted wooden cupola which gives it its name, is built in a style which more closely resembles the Roman or Byzantine Christian temples, with two concentric octagonal circumferences of pillars centered on the Rock itself. The interior is covered with intricate floral patterns, calligraphy and mosaics, making it unusually elaborate, but delightful to the senses.

Unlike most mosques, the Dome of the Rock was not conceived of as a place of communal worship, but as a resting place for pilgrims - hence the unusual structure. Other reasons for its particularity can be sought in the historical background to its construction: it was built between 687 and 692 AD by Caliph Abd al-Malik after his victory over the Byzantine empire. At the time (only half a century after the death of the Prophet) Islam was still a fledgling religion and an impressive rallying point or symbolic structure was needed. There was also tension between the Caliph and the religious leaders in Makkah, centered on the Kabah.

The Caliph, influenced by all these factors, decided to construct a visually stunning architectural masterpiece to display the might of Islam, in the visually immpressive style of the vanquished enemy. The temple was made elaborate and highly decorated in order to stun the eyes of believers and unbelievers alike and convey powerfully the message of Islam.