“The Quds Day is a universal day. It is not an exclusive day for Quds itself. It is a day for the oppressed to rise and stand up against the arrogant.” – Imam Khomeini
With so much mayhem in the Muslim world, it is important that we do not lose sight of the continued Zionist occupation of al-Quds (Jerusalem). Al Quds Day is an annual pro-Palestinian day of protest held around the time of the final Friday of Ramadan. Al Quds celebrates the perseverance of the Palestinian national movement: the unbelievable fact that, despite the ferocity of its enemies, and often the betrayal of its allies, it’s still alive and fighting. Despite the oppression, through the strength of its people and the ferocity of their struggle, Palestine survives!
Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem, and the parades, which are held in various cities around the world by both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, have long expressed opposition to Zionism. Millions take to the streets across the Globe to participate in Al Quds Day marches, there are further sizable parades in countries including Lebanon, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa. It is backed by more than a dozen organisations, including Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods.
Many non-Zionist Jews and Christians participate in Quds Day rallies, especially in North America, Europe and South Africa, seeing these as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people. It must be emphasized that Quds Day rallies are not against the Jewish people — their presence in such rallies is proof of this fact — but against the injustices being perpetrated by the Zionists. Further, Zionism is a political ideology that is based on racism. In fact, Zionists belong to all religions, even if nominally. There are Jewish Zionists, as there are Christian, Muslim and Hindu Zionists.
It is therefore imperative, that as Muslims – of all sects and creeds – stand united in their condemnation of the Zionist occupation, and we should strive to work towards freeing Palestine!
As Imam Hussain ibn Ali said, “Those who are silent when others are oppressed are guilty of oppression themselves.”