Hawzah News Agency- 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.