Draft:Quds Day Rally

Quds Day Rally is a symbolic movement demonstrating solidarity with Palestine against the Israeli occupation, traditionally held on the last Friday of Ramadan. Initiated by Imam Khomeini and subsequently championed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the event has garnered significant religious endorsement, with some Shi'a scholars considering participation a religious obligation (wajib shar'i).

The Quds Day rally is observed in over ninety countries, encompassing Islamic nations such as Iran, Palestine, and Turkey, as well as various non-Islamic countries. However, certain Western governments have imposed restrictions on these gatherings, citing efforts to combat anti-Semitism.

Significance and Status

On August 7, 1979, Imam Khomeini issued a message to Muslims worldwide, designating the last Friday of Ramadan as Quds Day. He urged Muslims and Islamic governments to unite in order to sever the hand of Israel and its supporters. Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizes that commemorating International Quds Day assures the Palestinian people that they are not isolated in their resistance. He characterizes the Quds Day rally as a confrontation against falsehood and describes it as an international measure.

Prominent Shi'a Maraji', including Husayn Nuri Hamadani and Nasir Makarim Shirazi, deem participation in the rally a religious obligation. Makarim Shirazi regards it as the most cost-effective method of confronting the Zionist regime. High-ranking state officials, including the president, regularly attend the ceremony. In Western countries where Friday is a workday, observances are typically scheduled for Saturday or Sunday.

Ceremony and Symbols

During the International Quds Day ceremony, participants distribute various posters and flags, including the Palestinian flag and those of allied groups such as Hezbollah and the Ansarallah of Yemen, alongside images of key figures from the Axis of Resistance. Symbolic actions often include carrying a coffin representing the Zionist regime or burning the Israeli flag. Chants supporting Palestine and condemning the Zionist occupation are a staple of the rallies. The event typically concludes with the reading of a statement or resolution affirming support for the Palestinian cause.

In Iran, the "Central Headquarters of Intifada and International Quds Day," established within the Islamic Development Coordination Council, organizes the event. The rallies also feature cultural and artistic activities, such as the International Quds Day Cartoon Festival. Similarly, countries like Malaysia host concurrent film production and mural painting festivals to mark the occasion.

Geographical Extent

Image of Quds Day Rally in Yemen

Reports indicate that Quds Day rallies take place in over ninety countries, including Palestine, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Turkey, the USA, Canada, Norway, Azerbaijan, Sudan, the UK, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tunisia, Pakistan, Australia, Germany, Romania, Kuwait, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Venezuela, Albania, Yemen, Greece, Brazil, and Austria. In Iran, ceremonies are held across numerous cities. Conversely, many Arab nations have adopted a passive stance regarding official observances. A report by the newspaper Al-Akhbar claimed that Saudi Arabia advised other Arab states to prevent Quds Day rallies. Similarly, reports have emerged of the Taliban opposing the ceremony in Afghanistan. Furthermore, non-Islamic countries such as Germany have banned Quds Day demonstrations, citing the prevention of anti-Semitism.

Impacts and Consequences

Quds Day demonstration in London

The Quds Day rally significantly amplifies media attention on the event and Palestinian issues. Media outlets in both Islamic and non-Islamic countries provide coverage of the proceedings.

Attention to the Issue of Palestine

Media coverage of Quds Day has catalyzed increased interest in the Palestinian cause among jurists worldwide. Research indicates a rise in attention from legal experts in countries such as Spain, the UK, Belgium, and Sweden following these observances. Rallies advocating for Palestinian rights have also prompted NGOs in non-Islamic countries to focus on the issue, to the extent that in some nations, Quds Day rallies see a majority of non-Muslim participants.