What is Quds Day? Shia religious scholar Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi explained
By
Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi
5 April
2024
To
understand the significance of Quds Day, it is crucial to first recognize that
in 1979, during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the leader Ayatollah Imam
Khomeini declared that the last Friday of Ramadan should be observed globally
as Quds Day.
Quds has a
direct connection to Muslims' first Qibla, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in
Palestine, which Israel illegally occupied 75 years ago in 1948 and continues
to control. In Islamic history, Al-Aqsa Mosque was the initial Qibla before the
Kaaba in Mecca was designated as the current Qibla by divine command.
Apart from
being the first Qibla, Al-Aqsa holds special significance for Muslims as it was
visited by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his Night Journey
(Isra and Mi'raj). Similarly, according to a Hadith attributed to Imam Jafar
Sadiq, Al-Aqsa is described as a highly important mosque for Muslims, where
prayers and worship hold great rewards.
It is
regrettable that this sacred mosque remains under the unlawful control of
oppressors. The history of this conflict dates back to 1917 when Britain's then
Foreign Secretary James Balfour proposed creating a Jewish state in Palestine,
leading to gradual Jewish migration and, ultimately, the establishment of
Israel as a state in May 1948.
Subsequent
wars between Israel and Arab nations resulted in Arab defeats and significant
losses, leading many Arab countries to remain silent out of fear of further
consequences. However, amidst this silence, resistance emerged, notably
personified by Ayatollah Khomeini, known worldwide for his steadfastness
against oppressors.
"Shia
Cleric Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi says,"
The observance of Quds Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle
for justice and the reclaiming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestine as symbols of
resistance against oppression.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/quds-shia-religious-scholar-haider-zaidi/d/132085
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