What is Al-Quds Day?

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ruholla Khomeini started Quds Day 45 years ago to show solidarity with Palestinian resistance.

On Friday, Palestine supporters across the world will mark “Al-Quds Day” as Israel continues its attacks on Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Here is what you need to know about the event, its history, and its significance.

Al-Quds Day (or, simply, “Quds Day”) is an annual, international day to express support for Palestine and oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Large rallies are held, usually beginning after the communal Friday prayers.

Iran’s first supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, established Quds Day in 1979 shortly after the Iranian Revolution to show solidarity with Palestinians and reject Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem. It has since become a symbol of resistance.

Some observers have claimed that the event was initiated by Iran to further its own political interests of using proxies to fight against Israel and Western powers.

In a statement on Quds Day this year, Iran’s foreign ministry said the event has “now turned into a symbol of the unity of the entirety of humanity”. It also condemned the United States and Western states for lending support to Israel in its war on Gaza.

It is held every year on the last Friday of Ramadan – this year, April 5. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk every day of the month, takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar.

“Al-Quds” or “Quds” is the Arabic name for Jerusalem. Hence, this event is also called “Jerusalem Day”.

In Arabic, the word “al-Quds” translates to “the holy one”.

The city of Jerusalem is holy to all three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.