A large number of Muslims on Friday held a rally to commemorate the International Quds Day at the Idumota Central Mosque in Lagos
The rally is held annually on the last Friday of Ramadan, which is a global day of rally in support of Palestinians and in opposition to Israel’s control of Jerusalem.
Established by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, the day serves as a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and, in 2026, coincided with heightened regional tensions.
The convener of the rally, Muhammadu Bashir, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that the gathering is a peaceful protest against occupation of Jerusalem by Israel.
Bashir said the protesters are not only concerned about killing of Muslims but also that Christians are not spared in Israel strikes in Lebanon and Palestine.
He said the protest is all about humanity and shouldn’t be seen as a religious protest.
The protesters who occupied the busy Idumota environment were largely coordinated.
“The protest was proclaimed by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979 shortly after the Iranian Revolution to show solidarity with Palestinians and reject Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem.
“The Al-Quds’ is the Arabic name for Jerusalem and the day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility toward the plight of the Palestinian people. Usually protests and marches are held in Iran and other countries to support Palestinian rights and condemn Israeli policies,” he said.
