In New York City on September 24, 2017, the annual Muslim Day Parade commenced its march down Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan. Following a brief moment of prayer, participants, hailing from various corners of the globe, joined in the procession. Notably, many carried American flags, symbolizing their embrace of American citizenship.
New York City’s Muslim World Day Parade, an annual cultural celebration, enlivens the streets with vibrant displays of Islamic faith and community. Starting with a collective prayer at an outdoor mosque, the parade features floats depicting key Islamic sites and banners spreading messages of inclusivity. Through this event, Muslims strive to showcase their diverse community and promote understanding among New Yorkers of all backgrounds.
The 2017 Muslim Day Parade in New York City will mark a historic shift as Rabbi Marc Schneier assumes the role of honorary grand marshal. Notable attendees include Imam Shams Ali, Rabbi Marc Schneier, Dr Ammaar Saeed, Ainul Hoque, Mohammad Muhiuddi, Mufty Luthfur Rahman Qasimy and Idris Ena Kone, Pakistan consulate New York general Raja Ejaz and NYPD Captain Adeel Rana and many more Muslim leaders gathered to show unity.
Imam Shamsi Ali, the organizer of this year’s parade, underscores its heightened significance amid societal challenges. “Given the rise of racism, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism,” he emphasized in a statement, “this year’s parade holds immense importance.” He selected Rabbi Schneier as honorary grand marshal for his decade-long commitment to Muslim-Jewish relations, citing his dedication to the American Muslim community.
In a speech delivered at the Muslim Day Parade in New York City, Ainul Hoque, Chairman of the Muslim Foundation of America, underscored the myriad challenges facing the global Muslim community, urging unity and concerted action in response to ongoing crises. Hoque lamented the low voter registration among Muslims, stating, “Out of approximately 8 million Muslims residing in the United States, only around 1.9 million are registered to vote nationwide. This is a matter of great concern for us. We must raise our voices; otherwise, it reflects poorly on our community.”_ (Ainul Hoque). Following Hoque’s speech, Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and grand marshal of the Muslim Day Parade in Manhattan, highlighted the common ground and pursuit of peace among the descendants of Abraham. Speaking among his Muslim counterparts, Rabbi Schneier remarked, “As a proud Jew, I recognize the shared faith and the universal call for peace that binds us together.”
Rabbi Marc Schneier emphasized interfaith collaboration for harmony and combating Islamophobia at the Muslim Day Parade, celebrating the shared heritage of Muslims and Jews.“As the Jewish community, we stand in solidarity with our Muslim family, with our Muslim brothers and sisters. It is our shared destiny that will strengthen our bonds and care for each other.”_ (Rabbi Marc Schneier)
At the New York City Muslim Day Parade, Mohammad Muhiuddin, the Grand Marshal and Rohingya Leader, highlighted the plight of Rohingya Muslims, urging international intervention. He emphasized, “There are 2.5 million Rohingya Muslims facing persecution, and until the UN Security Council decides to send a peacekeeping force, there will be no solution.” Alongside, Idris Ena Kone, an Interfaith Leader, celebrated diversity and condemned hatred, stating, “America is beautiful as a country where we can all be one together in our diversity, and there is no place for hatred.” _ (Idris Ena Kone).
An American Muslim scholar and among the New York Muslim scholars and leaders, Dr Ammaar Saeed, shared his insights on the significance of the Muslim Day Parade. He emphasized the event’s role in fostering unity and solidarity among Muslims in New York. Dr Ammaar Saeed remarked,
“We are gathered to show solidarity and unity, as all Muslims regardless of any background, are one nation and purpose of gatherings of multi cultured background of Islamic countries is to show what is truly Islam is a religious chosen by God.” (Dr. Ammaar Saeed)
Imam Shams Ali underscored the Muslim Day Parade’s significance beyond mere celebration, emphasizing its role in addressing global challenges faced by Muslims. He stressed its importance in demonstrating Muslim unity and solidarity, particularly in the face of Islamophobia and persecution. Imam Ali announced plans for a demonstration during the parade to support Rohingya Muslims in Burma,
“I’d like to invite all Muslim brothers and sisters, whether you agree with the parade or not, to come and support our Rohingya brothers and sisters.” (Imam Shams Ali)
Mufty Luthfur Rahman Qasimy, representing the United Ulema Council of the USA, expressed pride in the Muslim Day Parade organized by the Muslim Foundation of America and urged support for Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar who are facing persecution. He emphasized the importance of making their voices heard and standing in solidarity with those suffering. Mufty Qasimy stated, “We are so proud of today’s Muslim parade organized by the Muslim Foundation of America, and we are encouraging people to support our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Today’s parade will show our support, and we call everyone to join us in this cause.” His words underscored the significance of collective action in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of oppressed communities within the Muslim ummah.
Representing the United Ulema Council of the USA, Mufty Luthfur Rahman Qasimy expressed pride in the Muslim Day Parade organized by the Muslim Foundation of America and urged support for Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar who are facing persecution. Emphasizing the importance of making their voices heard and standing in solidarity with those suffering, he stated,
“We are so proud of today’s Muslim parade organized by the Muslim Foundation of America, and we are encouraging people to support our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Today’s parade will show our support, and we call everyone to join us in this cause.” (Mufty Luthfur Rahman Qasimy).
As the Muslim Day Parade in New York City drew to a close, participants gathered in solemnity, offering prayers for their Muslim brethren in Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, who continue to face persecution. With hearts united in compassion and solidarity, the parade’s conclusion echoed a resolute call to action, affirming the commitment to advocate for the rights and dignity of oppressed communities, both near and far. Top of FormBottom of Form