International Day of Al-Quds

The International Day of Al-Quds, observed on the last Friday of Ramadan, is a significant event that resonates profoundly within the Shia community and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the plight of Palestinians and underscores the importance of solidarity and resistance against oppression. This day is not simply about politics; it embodies deep spiritual and ethical dimensions rooted in Shia teachings. How can one participate passionately in a cause that transcends borders and echoes the values of justice and compassion?

At its core, the observance of Al-Quds Day is intertwined with the teachings of the Ahlulbayt, particularly their emphasis on social justice and the moral imperative to stand against tyranny. In Shia belief, the struggle against oppression is a continuation of the legacy established by Imam Hussain during the Battle of Karbala. His martyrdom is not just a historical event but a perpetual call to resist injustice and advocate for the oppressed. By engaging in Al-Quds Day, Shia Muslims express their commitment to this ongoing struggle.

The theological underpinning of the observance can be traced back to the Quranic injunction to stand for justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), it is stated: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses in the cause of Allah.” This verse encapsulates the ethos that Shia Muslims carry into their activism on Al-Quds Day. It is an exhortation to reject passivity in the face of injustice, thereby transforming a religious mandate into public action.

To further understand the significance of Al-Quds Day, one must appreciate its historical context. The day was first initiated by Imam Khomeini in 1979 as a reaction to the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem and the broader Arab-Israeli conflict. By designating this day, Imam Khomeini sought to galvanize global awareness of the Palestinian struggle, not merely as a regional issue but as a universal challenge against oppression. The Shia perspective emphasizes that the plight of the Palestinians is emblematic of a larger struggle against imperialism and colonialism.