Red heifer ritual expected to be performed at Al-Aqsa on April 10 to build Jew's Third Temple

Reports of a red heifer ritual to be performed by Jews soon on the Temple Mount, the site of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, have created a stir. Some interpretations of Hebrew scripture suggest the ritual would symbolise the arrival of the Messiah, who would lead the Israelites back to Jerusalem.

The red heifer is essentially a young female cow (bovine) that has never given birth. In Judaic tradition, its purity is highly important; to the extent that even a single black or white hair could disqualify the ritual's sanctity.

As per the Hebrew Bible, the red heifer ritual was prescribed by God to Moses. The cow has to be completely red with no blemishes or black/white hairs. Once chosen, the heifer is slaughtered and burned entirely, including its dung. The ashes from the red heifer are not wasted. They are mixed with water to create a special solution used by priests for purification rituals.

Reports of a possible red heifer sacrifice at Al-Aqsa have gained traction due to the arrival of five red heifers in Israel on September 15, 2022, from a ranch in Texas. This is crucial because a perfect red heifer, as described in the Torah, has not been seen in over 2,000 years. 

The cows have been carefully raised for two years because according to the Torah, the heifer must be completely red and between two and three years old.

According to Hebrew texts, the First Temple for the Jews was built by King Solomon around 1000 BCE. However, it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 6 century BCE. Nearly a century later, Persian emperor Darius allowed the Jews to return and rebuild their temple on the same spot. This Second Temple stood until 70 CE, when it was destroyed by the Romans. 

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque stand, is considered by some Jews to be the future site of a Third Temple.  

Some interpretations of Jewish scripture connect this location to the beginning of the world.

Jewish religious authorities have restricted entry to the Temple Mount for Jews since 1921. This restriction is based on the concept of ritual purity, which requires purifying the site before allowing Jews to worship there.

However, some Israeli settlers disregard the restrictions and visit the site under armed guard.

As per sources, the red heifer sacrifice is expected to take place on April 10, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.