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Jerusalem Day, or the International Day of Al-Quds (Rooz-e jahaany-e Qods in Persian: روز جهانی قدس), is an annual event opposing Israel's control of Jerusalem, (Al-Quds in Arabic: القـُدْس). 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. Jerusalem Day 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.

The parade for liberation of Jerusalem and Palestine 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 Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem 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."

In Indian-administered Kashmir the demonstration is known as "Kashmir-Al-Quds Day" or "Kashmiri Prisoners Day". Muslims demonstrate to draw world attention towards the need of a resolution to the Kashmir dispute, and to highlight the many prisoners held in Indian prisons, unfairly according to some.

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 in 1967 and the subsequent reunification of the city)

Notes

1. Imam Khomeini’s message announcing Quds Day, dated 7 August 1979 (16 Murdad 1358 AHS). Sahifa-y Nur, Vol. 8, p. 229.

External links

• 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?

• Jerusalem
• Foreign relations of Iran
• Arab-Israeli conflict
• Palestinian politics
• Civil awareness days