As the world prepares to mark International Quds Day on Friday, 28 March 2025, the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation and the Free Jerusalem Platform have issued a joint statement calling on people across Türkiye to take to the streets in defense of Jerusalem and the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The organisations are mobilising mass participation for nationwide events to be held on the last Friday of Ramadan, a day recognised globally by millions of Muslims as a symbol of resistance against the Israeli occupation and a cry for the liberation of Palestine.

“Whoever Protects the Cause of Jerusalem Finds Honour”

Molla Beşir Şimşek, President of the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation, underscored the deep religious and moral importance of the Palestinian cause. “Jerusalem is the third holiest city in Islam, home to the first qibla, Masjid al-Aqsa, and a sacred land where our Prophet ascended to the heavens,” Şimşek said. “The cause of Jerusalem is the cause of the entire ummah. Whoever embraces it finds honour. It is our duty and privilege to protect this cause and to fight for its freedom.”

A Global Conscience, Not Just a Regional Struggle

Şimşek emphasized that the struggle to protect Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa is not just a regional issue but a moral responsibility for all of humanity. “Our fight is not only about expressing pain and injustice,” he said. “It is about believing in a tomorrow where hope, justice, and dignity will triumph over oppression. Each prayer, each act of solidarity is a step toward the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

“Support for Palestine is a Moral Obligation”

Despite the deep sorrow felt by Muslims worldwide, Şimşek praised the unwavering resistance of the Palestinian people. “Palestinian Muslims, with the same determination shown by Saladin centuries ago, continue to make every sacrifice for the freedom of their homeland,” he said. “As believers, we are morally obligated to support this cause both materially and spiritually. One of the greatest ways we can support it is by keeping the struggle for Jerusalem alive in our hearts, in our prayers, and in public discourse.”

He added that International Quds Day has become a powerful symbol of global Muslim unity, with the last Friday of Ramadan transformed into a day of solidarity and defiance in the face of Israeli aggression.

“We Will Never Leave Jerusalem Alone”

Şimşek extended an open invitation to people across Türkiye to join in the Quds Day events taking place across the country. “With the permission of Almighty Allah, as the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation and the Free Quds Platform, we will join together with the Islamic ummah on March 28th to declare that Jerusalem is not alone—and it will never be alone,” he said.

He vowed that the movement will continue until justice is restored. “Until Jerusalem is free and the occupation ends, our hearts will beat for Jerusalem, our minds will remain on Al-Aqsa, and our voices will echo in every square. We will never abandon the Palestinian cause.”

A Call to Action

In closing, Şimşek urged widespread participation in Friday’s demonstrations. “We hope and pray that this year’s Quds Day will be a turning point for awakening and action,” he said. “May the Palestinian lands be reunited with peace and justice, and may the oppressors face the fate they deserve. We call on all our people to raise their voices and stand together for the freedom of Jerusalem.” (ILKHA)