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Al-Quds Day (official name in Iran:Rooz-e jahaany-e Qods in Persian: روز جهانی قدس, Template:Lang-ar), is an annual event on the Islamic calendar opposing Israel and supporting the Palestinians. Anti-Zionist demonstrations are held on this day in some Muslim and Arab countries and by Muslim and Arab communities around the world, but especially in Iran, where the occasion was first suggested. It is held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. International Day of Al-Quds is not an Islamic religious holiday but a political event open to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and thus observance is not obligatory in Islam. International Day of Al-Quds is not to be confused with Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim) which is an Israeli public holiday celebrating the capture of East Jerusalem from Jordan during the Six Day War.

History

The parade originated in Iran after the 1979 Islamic 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 Al-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 Al-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.

— Ruhollah Khomeini

During recent years it has spread among Muslim and non-Muslim countries even the U.S. Nowadays participation is not limited to Arabs or Muslims but some non-Muslims also participate in it including Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews.

2009 Quds Day protests

On Quds Day in 2009, millions of Iranians protested for the Palestinian cause in Iran and different countries throughout the Middle East and the world . Supporters of the opposition used the day to stage protests against Ahmadinejad after the disputed Iranian presidential elections. Ten people were arrested during the demonstrations. The opposition while protesting was confronted with large crowds who confronted Mir-Hossein Mousavi with slogans such as "Death to the hypocrite Mousavi" and destroying his car. Former president Mohammad Khatami was also present during the march, having his black turban pulled off, a great insult in Shia Islam .

See also

• Iran-Israel relations
• Jumu'ah-tul-Wida, also on the last Friday in the month of Ramadan
• Jerusalem Day in Israel (different holiday, celebrating the Israeli capture of East Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967 and the subsequent reunification of the city)

Notes

1. Rafsanjani invited Iranian people to attend the Quds day, BBC Persian
2. "Hundeds clash in Iran protests." Metro.co.uk. 18 September 2009. 18 September 2009.
3. Imam Khomeini’s message announcing Quds Day, dated 7 August 1979 (16 Murdad 1358 AHS). Sahifa-y Nur, Vol. 8, p. 229.
4. Quds day in Bahrein
5. Quds day in Turkey
6. Quds day in Pakistan
7. Quds day in Lebanon
8. Quds day in U.S.
9. Annual Al-Quds Day 30 October 2005 London, UK
10. "Millions march in Al-Quds day 2009". Retrieved Sept 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
11. "Protests in Iran". Retrieved Sept 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
12. "Khatami attacked". Retrieved Sept 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)

External links

• The World Quds Day - Ayatollah Khamenei
• 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
• Al-Quds International Day 2006
• When is Quds Day?
• Official International Quds Day
• International Quds Day

• Jerusalem
• Foreign relations of Iran
• Iran-Israel relations
• Palestinian politics
• Civil awareness days