Large Crowd Turns Out for Muslim Day Parade in New York

Despite heavy rain, a large number of people turned out spontaneously for the Muslim Day Parade held in Manhattan on Sunday. Parents walked alongside their children, while students, teachers, imams and representatives of various social and religious organizations gathered for the event. Their presence along rain-soaked Madison Avenue highlighted the unity, cultural diversity and message of peace within New York’s Muslim community.

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.” The organizers’ promotional materials also featured the messages, “One Ummah, One Nation, Proud Americans” and “Love for All, Hatred for None.” The participation of people from different countries, cultures and linguistic backgrounds reflected those messages.

Community and religious leaders were joined by Muslim officers of the NYPD, members of the FDNY, representatives of Islamic societies, law enforcement personnel and elected officials. Despite the unfavorable weather, the participation of ordinary residents alongside community leaders turned the event into a memorable community gathering.

Mohammad Razvi, president of the Council of Peoples Organizations (COPO), which convened the parade, thanked everyone who took part. He also expressed gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, partner organizations and sponsors who worked behind the scenes to make the event successful.

Razvi said Muslims in New York are a symbol of unity and peace. He said the strong turnout despite the rain demonstrated the strength of that unity.

Elham Academy of Queens participated in the parade with its students and school community. For the students, the day was an opportunity to take pride in their faith and heritage while also connecting with the wider community. Parents and teachers also joined the children in sharing the experience.

Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, founder of Elham Academy and chief executive officer of Save the People, said Islam is a religion of peace. He said Muslims respectfully remember the contributions of Muslim Americans during the 250-year history of the United States.

“Muslim Americans have contributed to the country’s education, service, culture and development, helping America move forward,” he said. “In the years ahead, we want to continue working with people of all ethnicities and faiths, highlighting the beauty of Islam and helping move America forward.”

The parade’s promotional materials listed Tahir Mustafa Kukigi, Rafiq Mohamed, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ainul Haque, Zilfa Boksh, Ed Powell, Sakibeh Mustafa, Souleymane Konate, Bajah Ruhi, Kenan Tashkent, Ahmad Ali, Hafida Torres, Moni Lutfi, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah and Mohammad Razvi as members of the organizing committee.

The participating organizations listed in the promotional materials included 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-Mamur School, American Council of Minority Women, Basti, Council of African Imams, Islamic Leadership School, Jamaica Muslim Center and Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.

The materials also listed Al-Madani Mosque, Masjid Al-Hikmah, Masjid Al-Ghaffar, Makki Mosque, Masjid Asri, Miraj Islamic School, Razi School, Yancasa Association of USA, Moroccan Society of New York, Yemeni American Association of New York, Yonkers Islamic Center, Elham for All, New York Imam Council, Islamic Schools Association, Caribbean American Muslim Association and Smile of Life among the participating mosques, schools and organizations.

At the end of the day, it was the spontaneous participation of the people that stood out most. The heavy rain did not stop them from taking part. According to the organizers, this year’s parade delivered a message to the younger generation: it is possible to build a peaceful and united America by taking pride in one’s faith and identity while embracing and working alongside people from all communities.