Thousands Join Muslim Day Parade in Manhattan Despite Heavy Rain
A large crowd gathered in Manhattan on Sunday for the Muslim Day Parade, braving heavy rain to celebrate Muslim faith, culture, diversity and community unity.
Parents walked alongside their children, joined by students, teachers, imams and representatives of religious and community organizations. Despite the wet conditions on Madison Avenue, participants carried a message of unity, peace and cultural diversity.
Held as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s parade carried the theme “United in Faith, Diverse in Culture.” Organizers also promoted the messages “One Ummah, One Nation, Proud Americans” and “Love for All, Hatred for None.”
Community and religious leaders were joined by Muslim officers from the NYPD, FDNY members, representatives of Islamic organizations, law enforcement personnel and elected officials.
Mohammad Rajvi, president of the Council of Peoples Organizations (COPO) and convener of the parade, thanked participants, organizers, volunteers, partner organizations and sponsors for helping make the event successful.
Rajvi said New York’s Muslim community represents unity and peace, adding that the strong turnout despite the rain demonstrated the strength of that unity.
Elham Academy from Queens also participated with its students and school community. For the students, the parade provided an opportunity to celebrate their faith and heritage while connecting with the wider community.
Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, founder of Elham Academy and CEO of Save the People, said Islam is a religion of peace and highlighted the contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States over the country’s 250-year history.
He said Muslim Americans have contributed to the nation’s education, service, culture and development and expressed a commitment to working with people of all backgrounds and faiths to promote the values of Islam and contribute to America’s future.
The parade’s organizing committee included Tahir Mustafa Kukigi, Rafiq Mohamed, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ainul Haque, Zilfa Boksh, Ed Powell, Sakibeh Mustafa, Suleimane Konate, Bajah Ruhi, Kenan Tashkent, Ahmad Ali, Hafida Torres, Moni Lutfi, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah and Mohammad Rajvi.
A wide range of community organizations, schools and Islamic institutions participated in the parade, including COPO, Darul Uloom New York, Save the People, Al-Amin School, Jalalabad Foundation for Children and Youth, Africa Community Services, African Cultures Promotions, Albiana Islamic Cultural Center, Al-Ihsan Academy, Al-Iman School, Al-Mamoor School, Jamaica Muslim Center and Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.
Other participating institutions included Al-Madani Mosque, Masjid Al-Hikmah, Masjid Al-Ghaffar, Makki Masjid, Masjid Asri, Miraj Islamic School, Razi School, Moroccan Society of New York, Yemeni American Association of New York, New York Imam Council, Islamic Schools Association, Caribbean American Muslim Association and Smile of Life.
Organizers said the large turnout despite the severe weather sent a message to younger generations that people can take pride in their faith and identity while working alongside other communities to build a peaceful and united America.
