Iran protest People in friday prayer Rafsanjani in Tehran - July 17, 2009 -

This week's Friday Prayers in Tehran have the potential to be the first nonscripted event of its kind in years, and even to become a platform for the opposition.

Former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is due to lead the official prayers in Tehran, and reformist presidential candidate Mir Hossein Musavi is expected to attend.

Many of those who protested in recent weeks against the reelection of Iran's President Mahmud Ahmadinejad say they plan to attend the weekly prayers at Tehran University.

Pamphlets are circulating describing July 17 as "the promised day" and saying "the Green Wave should rise up." Supporters of Iran's "Green" movement, which backed Musavi's bid for the presidency, are describing the significance of this week's Friday Prayers as "epic."

It is difficult to predict what will come out of the event.