The minaret at the Great Mosque of Damascus that's often referred to as the "Minaret of Jesus" or "Minaret of Isa" is so named because of a belief shared by both Muslims and Christians about the Second Coming of Jesus (Isa in Arabic).
Here's the breakdown:
* Islamic Belief: In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is considered a prophet of God, and Muslims believe that he will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. It is believed that Isa will descend to earth in Damascus and pray behind the imam, and then he will break the cross, kill the swine, abolish the Jizya, and eliminate all religions besides Islam.
* Location: Islamic traditions associate Jesus's return with Damascus. Specifically, some traditions say he will descend near the eastern minaret of the Great Mosque of Damascus. The traditional location in Damascus is the Minaret of the Bride.
* Significance: This belief is why the minaret is associated with Jesus. It's a landmark tied to the prophecies and expectations surrounding his role in the end times.
While it's sometimes called the "Minaret of Jesus," it's important to remember that the mosque itself is a Muslim place of worship, and the name reflects an Islamic understanding of Jesus and his future return.