International Day of Quds
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International Day of Quds (Persian: روز جهانی قدس}, pronounced "Rooz-e jahaany-e Qods" in Persian, is an annual event opposing Israel's control of Jerusalem (Arabic name: Al-Quds القـُدْس). Anti-Israel demonstrations are held on this day in some Muslim countries and by Muslim and Arab communities around the world, but especially in Iran where the occasion was first suggested. It is held each Islamic year on the last Friday before the last day of Ramadan.
The parade for liberation of Quds and Palestine originated in Iran after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The observance was suggested by Ayatollah Khomeini, then Supreme Leader of Iran, in August of that year, saying
"I invite Muslims all over the globe to consecrate the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan as Quds Day and to proclaim the international solidarity of Muslims in support of the legitimate rights of the Muslim people of Palestine." "For many years, I have been notifying the Muslims of the danger posed by the usurper Israel which today has intensified its savage attacks against the Palestinian brothers and sisters, and which, in the south of Lebanon in particular, is continually bombing Palestinian homes in the hope of crushing the Palestinian struggle. I ask all the Muslims of the world and the Muslim governments to join together to sever the hand of this usurper and its supporters. I call on all the Muslims of the world to select as Quds Day the last Friday in the holy month of Ramadan - which is itself a determining period and can also be the determiner of the Palestinian people’s fate - and through a ceremony demonstrating the solidarity of Muslims world-wide, announce their support for the legitimate rights of the Muslim people. I ask God Almighty for the victory of the Muslims over the infidels."[1] "
On the 2000 al-Quds Day, Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei called for the destruction of Israel, saying it was
"the only way to solve the problems of the Middle East."[2]
During recent years it has spread among Muslim and Non-Muslim countries[3][4][5] [6] even the U.S.[7] Nowadays participation is not limited to Arabs or Muslims but some non-Muslims also participate in it including Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews.[8]
In Indian-administered Kashmir the demonstration is known as "Kashmir-Quds Day" or "Kashmiri Prisoners Day". Muslims demonstrate to draw world attention towards the need of a resolution to the Kashmir dispute, and to highlight the many prisoners held in Indian prisons, unfairly according to some. [9]
[edit] See also
- Iran-Israel relations
- Jumu'ah-tul-Wida, also on the last Friday in the month of Ramadan
- Jerusalem Day in Israel (This "Quds" Day has a very different meaning in Israel.)
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[edit] Notes
- ^ Imam Khomeini’s message announcing Quds Day, dated 7 August 1979 (16 Murdad 1358 AHS). Sahifa-y Nur, Vol. 8, p. 229.
- ^ CNN report on Year 2000 Celebrations, dated 1 January 2000
- ^ Quds day in Bahrein
- ^ Quds day in Turkey
- ^ Quds day in Pakistan
- ^ Quds day in Lebanon
- ^ Quds day in U.S.
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
[edit] External links
- ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL QUDS DAY by Ayatollah Khomeini’s message dated 16 July 1982 (25 Tir 1361 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 16, pp. 226-227.
- Jihad and jingoism on Iran's streets Guardian Unlimited on Quds Day demonstrations,
- Al-Quds International Day 2003
- Imam Khamenei's Remarks on Al-Quds International Day 2003
- Al-Quds International Day 2005
- When is Quds Day?
