Global Mosques Urged to Unite in Defense of Al-Aqsa on World Mosque Day
Hojat-ol-Islam Hojjatollah Zaker, a seminary and university lecturer, said the lack of sustained coordination among mosques across the Muslim world has weakened collective responses to critical issues, particularly the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“The connections between mosques in the Islamic world have been partial and temporary. This lack of continuous cooperation has prevented the Islamic world’s stance on issues like Al-Aqsa from being properly reflected and effective,” he told IQNA ahead of World Mosque Day.
The annual commemoration was established following the arson attack on Al-Aqsa in August 1969, when a Zionist settler set fire to the sacred site, burning nearly 1,500 square meters of the compound. In 2003, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, at Iran’s initiative, formally declared August 21 as World Mosque Day to mark the tragedy and raise awareness of the threats facing Islamic sanctuaries.
Zaker warned that Al-Aqsa remains under mounting threat as Israeli far-right cabinet members and illegal settlers continue to storm the Muslim place of worship.
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Located in occupied East al-Quds, Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam. Since Israel’s 1967 occupation of the city, the site has been a flashpoint of tensions. In recent years, Jewish settlers—under police protection—have entered the mosque compound to perform prayers in violation of the longstanding status quo agreement. These incursions have fueled anger among Palestinians and drawn condemnation from across the Muslim world.
Zaker urged Muslims to act decisively on World Mosque Day by dedicating sermons, raising banners of support for Al-Aqsa, holding Quranic sessions, and organizing prayers for the liberation of al-Quds.
“Anyone in the Islamic world who cares for the House of God must stand up and strive for the freedom of Al-Aqsa and al-Quds al-Sharif,” he said.
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He also emphasized the importance of modern tools, particularly digital platforms, in mobilizing support. “We must use social media to sensitize Muslim societies to the issue of Al-Aqsa. All segments of society should show their concern, take positions, and clearly express their rejection of the Zionist regime and global arrogance,” he said.
The cleric concluded that World Mosque Day should serve as a platform for unified, global backing of the Palestinian cause. “It is an occasion for comprehensive support for Al-Aqsa and Palestine across the Islamic world,” he noted.
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