Quds Day's significance from viewpoint of Imam Khomeini (s)

Ahlul Bayt News Agency, This is the day when the Muslims put aside all their national and sectarian differences and strongly condemn the Zionism and its supporters. We see it necessary to remind the readers the point that the origin of this day can be traced in Imam Khomeini's thoughts. From his very early youth days, Imam used to warn the public and masses of the dangers posed by the Zionism.

The Imam hit hard the exploiting and arrogant powers through declaring this crucial day as solidarity with the Palestinians.

We are witnessing how the Zionist regime has imposed security barriers and restriction on the people's movement in Jerusalem (al-Quds) city and other occupied lands over past months.

It is the essential point that the Imam by declaring the last Friday from holy month of Ramadan as the 'Quds Day' had even far sighted beyond the Palestinian issue. Thus, he wanted to unite all forces and potentials of the Muslim World to form a united front against the Zionists, World-exploiting powers and their allies.

Imam Khomeini (s) and Palestine cause

Struggle against Zionism forms one of the crucial pillars of Imam Khomeini's thoughts. His first official stance against Israel came in 1968 when he demanded the then regime of Shah to ban export of oil to Israel and cut all diplomatic ties with the Zionist regime as other Islamic and Arab countries had done so. Imam said that,

"One of the issues that have placed us against the Pahlavi regime is its assistance to Israel. I have always warned that Shah has been assisting to Israel since it came to power. Moreover, when intensive war between the Muslims and Israel was on its peak he used to provide the Zionists with the oil revenues. Imam said that it was an important factor contributed to my opposition to the Pahlvi regime."[1]

Imam set his opposition to Pahlavi regime's oppression as pillar of his fundamental domestic policy, and made Palestine issue as top priority of his foreign policy. He measured the struggle against Israel as a religious duty. In order to support his views in this regard, he based his efforts on a jurisprudential ruling that non-believers have no supremacy over the Muslims. For that reason, he always emphasized there should be a patronage for the welfare of the Palestinian warriors and defended the Quds cause in its all prospects.

Imam made best use of all potentials against Israel and he not only raised awareness among the nations but also issued recommendations and pieces of advices for the governments in this regard as well.

"I advise the Palestinian authorities to give up frequent travels to external powers and instead extend the helping hands to the Palestinians. By relying on God, the Almighty, they can undertake an armed struggle against Israel until the demise of this regime. Since these types of travels discourage the people from struggle against this brutal regime. I assure you that neither the West nor the East will promote the Palestine cause, but reliance on God, the Almighty, and armed struggle against Israel can defeat this regime."[2]

Imam Khomeini (s) and initiative of 'Quds Day'

With deep analysis of Imam's speeches regarding the 'Quds Day', we can easily come to this conclusion that Imam's views on this issue are massive and of global significance. He has highlighted the points, which are common among all Islamic sects and groups. He underlined the Palestine issue beyond sectarianism or nationalism, as this method itself will guarantee the unity among the whole Muslim community. According to Imam's views, no body is allowed to convert this issue into a local or make it limited to a specific community.

Another worth mentioning point is that Imam was so farsighted in choosing the timing of the issue. It may be explained in this way. A month of fasting and spirituality brings forth its results in form of piety and piousness, which means the Muslims are now best prepared to listen to the words of Imam. Obviously, these words will have more influence on their hearts on the last Friday from holy month of Ramadan.

However, the best way to raise awareness about the significance of this day is to review some of Imam's sayings in this regard:

"The Quds Day" is a global day and it is not only limited to only Palestine issue, but also a mean for oppressed ones to fight against arrogant powers. It is a resistance day for those nations who have suffered oppression at the hands of the United States and other powers. However, they have now understood to stand against the super powers. This is the day when oppressed ones should be equipped against the arrogant powers and knock them to the ground. This day will differentiate between the hypocrites and committed faithful people. The committed ones acknowledge this as the day of Palestine cause and will perform whatever needed. However, hypocrites, who have maintained secret friendship with arrogant powers, will remain impartial or will not allow the public to hold demonstrations. This day is decisive as fate of the oppressed nations is determined on this day because they declare their existence against exploiters. The others nations should rise up as Iran stood and knocked them to the ground and continues to do so. All nations should undertake uprising in a bid to throw these tumors and germs into the Garbage cane."[3]

On the night of Qadr, when the destines and fates are determined, the Muslims make themselves relieved from Satan traps by reciting supplications and staying awake throughout the night, and finally become obedient servants of God. In addition, Quds Day that occurs on the last days from Ramadan, the month attributed to Allah, it is expected form the world Muslims to make free themselves from the chains of slavery of the Satan and super powers. They must join the everlasting love of God, the Almighty and cut off the hands of historical criminals from reaching to the oppressed nations and slash their greed.

Impact of 'Quds Day' on Palestine issue

1-Displaying massive opposition of Muslim World to Israel's existence

This everlasting initiative not only show the wide-spread opposition of the Muslim nations to the existence of occupied Zionist regime, but also makes the Muslims' hearts yielding and facilitate the integration process among the Muslim World. In this fashion, the first step toward the Muslims unity has been taken that will make possible the cause of achieving a united Ummah beyond racial and sectarian differences.

2- The means of pressure against Zionist regime 

Among those pressure tools that can be used against this regime is to undermine its legitimacy. The echo of this issue will automatically attract the attention of the Muslim to thoughts of Imam, and will get this cause to be deeply rooted in the hearts of faithful people.

3- Keeping out the national or Arab aspects of Palestine and converting it into an Islamic and global Issue

Zionist regime has gone a long way to convert this issue into a racial and national conflict between Arabs and Israel. However, by declaring its stance as a great religious authority, Imam breathed a new spirit into almost forgotten issue. This led the Palestinian movement to think only about the option of the sole Islamic resistance instead of nationalism and communalism.

4- Spiritual influence on Muslims and their massive participation in the issue

In fact, massive influence of Imam's thoughts can be seen among the Muslim world. In addition to accessible piousness in month of Ramadan, the Quds cause has also created a spirit of collective determination and coordination among the Muslims. This day provides a role model for the Muslims and gives them self-confidence that Quds can be retaken back with a combination of courage and unity.

1.īfeh-ye Imām!ah!S, vol.5, p. 187

īfeh-ye Imām!ah!2.S, vol.16, p. 382

īfeh-ye Imām, vol.9, p.!ah!3. S 276

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