The cemetery was most likely initiated in the early years (circa mid-seventh century CE) of Muslim presence in the Holyland, as some of the graves in the cemetery are believed to belong to the companions of the prophet Muhammad. The Bab al-Rahma cemetery in Jerusalem is of particular importance because it hosts the graves of a number of companions and scholars, Muslim leaders and martyrs. The cemetery extends from the Lions' Gate in the north to the end of the eastern wall of the Masjid al-Aqsa complex.

circa 640 CE

Significance in Islam
The Bab al-Rahmah Cemetery, located along the eastern wall of the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) adjacent to the Golden Gate, holds notable spiritual and historical value in Islamic tradition. Its use as a burial ground dates back to the early Islamic period, likely as early as the late 7th or 8th century CE. It is believed to contain the graves of prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as early scholars and pious individuals, which enhances its sanctity among Muslims.

Moreover, in some strands of Islamic eschatology, the area adjoining the Kidron Valley—in which Bab al-Rahmah lies—is associated with Jehannum, probably echoing Biblical concepts of Gehenna. Conversely, the Mount of Olives opposite the cemetery is tied to resurrection themes in both Islamic and Jewish apocalyptic traditions, further enhancing the cemetery's liminal, eschatological significance.

Barrier to the Jewish Messiah (Moshiach)
A popular yet historically unverified tradition claims that the cemetery was deliberately placed in front of the Golden Gate to block the arrival of the Jewish Messiah (Moshiach), who, according to some interpretations of Ezekiel 44:1–3, is expected to enter Jerusalem through this gate. Because Jewish priestly figures (Kohanim) are traditionally prohibited from entering cemeteries to avoid ritual impurity, the presence of a Muslim graveyard is often cited in folklore and tour narratives as a strategic "obstacle" to messianic prophecy.

However, this explanation is not supported by pre-modern Islamic sources or formal theological rationale. It appears only in relatively modern tourist narrations—mostly from the 19th century CE onward—and has no basis in early Muslim writings. The cemetery's establishment is more plausibly attributed to the spiritual prestige of the area and burial preferences rather than any polemical intent.

circa 640 CE

Companions of Prophet Muhammad
At least two companions of prophet Muhammad are believed to be buried in the Bab al-Rehmah cemtery. One is the grave of Shadad ibn 'Aws (قبر شداد بن أوس), and the other one is the grave of Ubadah Ibn Samet (قبر عبادة بن صامت). Under what circumstances these two companions of prophet Muhammad were buried here are not known. A large number of other notable people are also interred in this cemetery.

circa

Egyptian Soldiers
The Bab al-Rahma Cemetery hosts the graves of the Egyptian soliers who were killed during the battle for Jerusalem. The historic cemetery is also believed to have been the last resting place of some of the soldier who participated with Salah al-Din in liberating the city from the Crusaders.

circa

Mercy Gate
The Mercy Gate (Bab al-Rahmah) might have allowed direct access in to the Bab al-Rahmah graveyard, before is was walled up. A local tradition also mentions that Imam al-Ghazali might have stayed here in a chamber located inside the upper story of the structure. The small cemetery covers an area of about 20 dunums.

circa

Funerals Gate
The Funeral’s Gate, now blocked, is one of al-Aqsa’s gates, located on its eastern wall. Its name stems from the fact that it was used by Muslims restrictedly to carry out funerals to Al-Rahma (Mercy) Graveyard. Today, the gate is permanently closed.