International Quds Day, also known as Yaum al-Quds, was established in 1979 by late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (QS). It is observed on the last Friday of each year’s Ramadan. This day serves as a platform to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and oppose Zionist oppression, particularly in response to the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem and other oppressions in the world.
Central to the observance of Quds Day is the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem’s Old City. As the third holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Al-Aqsa holds immense religious, historical, and political significance. However, the mosque remains under Zionist occupation, where the blood of the Palestinians is being shed freely, thus the need for the broader struggle for Palestinian liberation.
Imam Khomeini envisioned Quds Day as a unifying call for Muslims and all oppressed people worldwide. He believed the observance transcends geographical and sectarian boundaries; represents a broader struggle for justice, dignity, and the defense of Islamic values. He emphasized that Quds Day should inspire Muslims to restore these values in their societies and confront tyranny.
Quds Day has grown into a powerful platform to: condemn Israeli aggression and advocate for Palestinian rights, highlight the struggles faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank and unite diverse Muslim communities and humanity in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Since its inception, Quds Day has spread beyond the Middle East, with events now held in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. These gatherings attract activists from various backgrounds, demonstrating a growing global movement against injustice.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, and other regions has intensified the exigency of Quds Day observances. The recent massacre in Gaza being perpetuated by the Zionist with the support and backing of America, its Western allies and hypocritical Arabian governments has resulted in immense civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and severe humanitarian crisis. Escalating Israeli illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and the forced displacement of Palestinian families have further worsened the situation.
The world has witnessed, with disturbing silence, the massacre of Palestinians in their homeland where no life is spared, hospitals targeted and destroyed. The media is awash with the gruesome scenes and stories of openly committed human massacre. This reality makes this year’s Quds Day especially significant, underscoring the urgent need for justice, peace and condemnation of the oppressors and their evil acts.
Recent events, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Tufan al-Aqsa operation, have exposed the harsh realities of Israel’s continued crimes against humanity. This has galvanized global protests, with people from diverse backgrounds uniting to oppose these atrocities and demand accountability for the illegal state of Israel.
In Nigeria, Quds Day demonstrations have been carries out for over forty years by Muslims and Non-Muslims under the leadership of his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. However, these commemorations have often faced violent crackdowns. The Nigerian Police, in collaboration with armed thugs, have repeatedly targeted peaceful protesters expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Tragically, many individuals have been martyred due to these brutal attacks.
As this year’s Quds Day approaches and the events in Gaza and occupied Palestine are escalating, it is imperative for people with humanity in them to come out in mass and show solidarity with the oppressed and condemn the oppressors. There is growing concern about how Nigerian authorities will respond considering their track record of descending on peaceful protesters. It is imperative that the Nigerian Police uphold professionalism and respect the right to peaceful assembly by being civic in their job.
International Quds Day stands as a lasting symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice. Despite relentless violence and bloodshed, those committed to justice continue to support the Palestinian cause. As long as oppression persists in the Holy Land of Palestine, Quds Day will remain a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and human dignity must never cease. The ongoing crisis in Palestine and the occupation of Al-Aqsa Mosque demand a collective response from people of conscience worldwide. On this note, we salute and appreciate all those on the frontline of the struggle: Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, The Houthis to mention a few and particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Muslims and good people of Nigeria share your pains and ordeals. The least we can do as of now is to contribute by raising awareness, advocating for justice, and offering prayers and words of encouragement. Remaining silent or indifferent in the face of oppression is not an option for anyone who values human dignity, freedom, and peace.
Professor Abdullahi Danladi
Resource Forum
Islamic Movement
26th Ramadan, 1446 (26th March, 2025)
INTERNATIONAL QUDS DAY: A SYMBOL OF RESISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
International Quds Day, also known as Yaum al-Quds, was established in 1979 by late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (QS). It is observed on the last Friday of each year’s Ramadan. This day serves as a platform to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and oppose Zionist oppression, particularly in response to the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem and other oppressions in the world.
Central to the observance of Quds Day is the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem’s Old City. As the third holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Al-Aqsa holds immense religious, historical, and political significance. However, the mosque remains under Zionist occupation, where the blood of the Palestinians is being shed freely, thus the need for the broader struggle for Palestinian liberation.
Imam Khomeini envisioned Quds Day as a unifying call for Muslims and all oppressed people worldwide. He believed the observance transcends geographical and sectarian boundaries; represents a broader struggle for justice, dignity, and the defense of Islamic values. He emphasized that Quds Day should inspire Muslims to restore these values in their societies and confront tyranny.
Quds Day has grown into a powerful platform to: condemn Israeli aggression and advocate for Palestinian rights, highlight the struggles faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank and unite diverse Muslim communities and humanity in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Since its inception, Quds Day has spread beyond the Middle East, with events now held in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. These gatherings attract activists from various backgrounds, demonstrating a growing global movement against injustice.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, and other regions has intensified the exigency of Quds Day observances. The recent massacre in Gaza being perpetuated by the Zionist with the support and backing of America, its Western allies and hypocritical Arabian governments has resulted in immense civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and severe humanitarian crisis. Escalating Israeli illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and the forced displacement of Palestinian families have further worsened the situation.
The world has witnessed, with disturbing silence, the massacre of Palestinians in their homeland where no life is spared, hospitals targeted and destroyed. The media is awash with the gruesome scenes and stories of openly committed human massacre. This reality makes this year’s Quds Day especially significant, underscoring the urgent need for justice, peace and condemnation of the oppressors and their evil acts.
Recent events, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Tufan al-Aqsa operation, have exposed the harsh realities of Israel’s continued crimes against humanity. This has galvanized global protests, with people from diverse backgrounds uniting to oppose these atrocities and demand accountability for the illegal state of Israel.
In Nigeria, Quds Day demonstrations have been carries out for over forty years by Muslims and Non-Muslims under the leadership of his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. However, these commemorations have often faced violent crackdowns. The Nigerian Police, in collaboration with armed thugs, have repeatedly targeted peaceful protesters expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Tragically, many individuals have been martyred due to these brutal attacks.
As this year’s Quds Day approaches and the events in Gaza and occupied Palestine are escalating, it is imperative for people with humanity in them to come out in mass and show solidarity with the oppressed and condemn the oppressors. There is growing concern about how Nigerian authorities will respond considering their track record of descending on peaceful protesters. It is imperative that the Nigerian Police uphold professionalism and respect the right to peaceful assembly by being civic in their job.
International Quds Day stands as a lasting symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice. Despite relentless violence and bloodshed, those committed to justice continue to support the Palestinian cause. As long as oppression persists in the Holy Land of Palestine, Quds Day will remain a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and human dignity must never cease. The ongoing crisis in Palestine and the occupation of Al-Aqsa Mosque demand a collective response from people of conscience worldwide. On this note, we salute and appreciate all those on the frontline of the struggle: Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, The Houthis to mention a few and particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Muslims and good people of Nigeria share your pains and ordeals. The least we can do as of now is to contribute by raising awareness, advocating for justice, and offering prayers and words of encouragement. Remaining silent or indifferent in the face of oppression is not an option for anyone who values human dignity, freedom, and peace.
Professor Abdullahi Danladi
Resource Forum
Islamic Movement
26th Ramadan, 1446 (26th March, 2025)