The annual Quds Day is a powerful reminder of the world’s duty to the Palestinian cause. Freedom is coming.
Day of Al-Quds
Faith, Resistance, and the Promise of Liberation
The Vision of Imam Khomeini (RA) and the Future of Jerusalem
By Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
The International Day of Al-Quds stands today as one of the most powerful symbols of resistance against injustice and oppression. It represents not merely a political demonstration but a moral and spiritual awakening for Muslims and all freedom-loving people around the world.
The day was proclaimed in 1979 by the late Imam Ruhollah Khomeini (RA), the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who declared that the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan should be observed as a global day of solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people.
Imam Khomeini believed that Jerusalem (Al-Quds) was not only a Palestinian issue but the cause of the entire Muslim Ummah and, indeed, the struggle of all oppressed people across the world.
Today, as the world witnesses devastating humanitarian crises in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, the message of Imam Khomeini has gained renewed urgency and relevance.
Jerusalem in the Holy Qur’an
Jerusalem occupies a unique spiritual position in Islam. It is the location of Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third holiest mosque in Islam and the first Qiblah of Muslims.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ
“Glory be to Him Who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed.”
(Qur’an 17:1)
This verse confirms that the land surrounding Al-Aqsa is blessed by Allah, making it sacred for Muslims.
Another verse reminds Muslims of their collective responsibility:
وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ
“And what is wrong with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children.”
(Qur’an 4:75)
These verses establish that defending the oppressed is a religious obligation and moral duty.
Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ About Al-Aqsa
The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the spiritual importance of Al-Aqsa in numerous sayings.
He said:
“لا تُشَدُّ الرِّحَالُ إِلَّا إِلَى ثَلَاثَةِ مَسَاجِدَ: الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ، وَمَسْجِدِي هَذَا، وَالْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى.”
“Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques: the Sacred Mosque (Makkah), my mosque (Madinah), and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
In another narration the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays in Masjid Al-Aqsa receives multiplied reward.”
Thus, Al-Aqsa represents not merely a geographical location but a symbol of Islamic civilization and spiritual heritage.
The Vision of Imam Khomeini (RA)
In August 1979, Imam Khomeini announced the establishment of International Quds Day.
He declared:
> “I call upon all Muslims of the world to designate the last Friday of Ramadan as Quds Day and demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Imam Khomeini described Quds Day as:
The day of Islam
The day of the oppressed against the oppressors
The day when Muslims must awaken and unite
He also emphasized that the liberation of Palestine would only be possible when Muslims rediscover their unity and strength.
He stated that Quds Day is not limited to Palestine but represents the global struggle of the oppressed against arrogant powers.
Teachings of Imam Ali (AS) on Justice and Oppression
The philosophy behind Quds Day is deeply rooted in the teachings of Imam Ali (AS).
In Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali said:
“كُونُوا لِلظَّالِمِ خَصْمًا وَلِلْمَظْلُومِ عَوْنًا”
“Be an enemy to the oppressor and a helper of the oppressed.”
This timeless principle reflects the Islamic obligation to stand against injustice.
In another sermon, Imam Ali warned:
“Oppression destroys nations and justice preserves them.”
Thus, the struggle for Palestine represents not only political resistance but also the defense of justice and human dignity.
Current Situation in Gaza and Palestine
The recent years have witnessed devastating humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, thousands of civilians have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced.
These events have exposed several harsh realities:
1. The failure of international institutions to protect civilians
2. The double standards of global politics
3. The continued occupation and denial of Palestinian rights
However, these tragedies have also triggered an unprecedented global awakening.
Millions of people in:
Europe
the United States
Asia
Africa
Latin America
have taken to the streets demanding justice for Palestine.
This global movement suggests that the moral legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle is gaining wider recognition.
The Responsibility of the Muslim Ummah
The Muslim Ummah consists of nearly two billion people and possesses immense natural resources, economic strength, and cultural influence.
Yet internal divisions have weakened its collective response to the Palestinian issue.
The Qur’an commands unity:
وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا
“Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
(Qur’an 3:103)
Muslim unity is essential for:
political influence
diplomatic strength
economic cooperation
protection of sacred Islamic sites
Without unity, the cause of Palestine remains vulnerable.
Perspectives of Sunni and Shia Scholars
The cause of Palestine has been supported by scholars from both Sunni and Shia traditions.
Prominent Sunni scholars including:
Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi
scholars of Al-Azhar University
have repeatedly emphasized that defending Al-Aqsa is a collective duty of the Muslim Ummah.
Shia scholars such as:
Allama Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai (author of Tafsir Al-Mizan)
Ayatollah Murtaza Mutahhari
have described the liberation of Palestine as an essential part of the struggle for global justice.
Both traditions agree on one fundamental principle:
The defense of Al-Quds is a shared Islamic responsibility.
The Global Awakening
Despite political obstacles, the Palestinian cause has become a symbol of resistance against oppression worldwide.
In recent years:
universities across the West have witnessed pro-Palestine movements
human rights organizations have raised serious concerns about the occupation
global civil society has increasingly demanded accountability
This growing awareness indicates that the narrative surrounding Palestine is shifting.
The Promise of Liberation
History teaches that no occupation lasts forever.
Colonial powers once ruled much of the world, yet they eventually collapsed.
Similarly, the Palestinian struggle continues because it is rooted in faith, justice, and perseverance.
The Qur’an promises victory for the oppressed:
وَنُرِيدُ أَنْ نَمُنَّ عَلَى الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ
“And We desired to show favor to those who were oppressed in the land.”
(Qur’an 28:5)
This divine promise strengthens the belief that justice will ultimately prevail.
Hope for the Future
The Day of Al-Quds is therefore not merely a day of protest.
It is a day of faith, unity, and hope.
It reminds Muslims and humanity that:
injustice cannot last forever
oppression eventually collapses
faith and determination overcome tyranny
Millions of Muslims around the world continue to believe that one day the Adhan will rise freely from Masjid Al-Aqsa, and believers will gather there in peace.
As Imam Khomeini hoped:
Muslims will one day pray together in Al-Quds.
The Day of Al-Quds represents the collective conscience of the Muslim Ummah and all those who stand for justice.
It is a reminder that:
Al-Quds belongs to its rightful people
oppression must be resisted
unity among Muslims is essential
justice and faith will ultimately prevail
Despite the darkness of the present moment, history continues to move toward justice.
And with faith, unity, and perseverance:
Al-Quds will be free.
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com