Cultural society of Bergen County, Muhibaan-e-Urdu of North America organize second annual Muslim heritage month

NEW JERSEY: Cultural Society of Bergen County and Muhibaan-e-Urdu of North America organized second annual Muslim heritage month celebration.

A large number of members of the Muslim community living in the United States from different countries attended the ceremony held at local hotel in New Jersey with their families and friends. The event was started with recitation of Holy Quran by Hafiza Anaiya Qureshi.

Young children presented Qasidah Burda Sharif in a unique style and tone, referring to Islamic culture and civilization.

The event was moderated by Saira Gilani, who introduced the Cultural Society of Bergen County while giving a welcome speech and welcomed the guests on their arrival.

She said that we want to give a message of peace, love, brotherhood and unity to other religions and nations through Muslim cultural heritage.

The Muslim Heritage Month event included oriental costumes, beautiful jewelry, Kashmiri shawls, decorative items, perfumes, cosmetics, etc. for sale, in which the participants showed great interest.

Speaking to Voice of South Asia, Cultural Society of Bergen County’s leader Farhat Khan said that the aim of the program is to remove negative perceptions about Islam.

Literature based on Islamic history was displayed at the event and various artworks reflecting Islamic culture were also exhibited, which became the center of attention of everyone.

Farhat Khan further said that after the approval of the state Governor Phil Murphy, Muslim Cultural Heritage Month was celebrated last year and this is the second year adding that this tradition will continue in the future as well.

A food bazaar was also set up for the participants where delicious dishes were served.

On this occasion, another central organizer of the event, Tamkeen Khatib, explained the aims and objectives of the event.

He said that we want to tell other religions and nations that Muslims play a very important role in all fields including world development, science, and fine arts.

Addressing participants, the central organizer of the event and President of Muhibaan-e-Urdu of North America Mohsin Khan said that we are proud of our Islamic history, civilization, culture, and traditions.

The event was also attended by the first Muslim female member elected to the Legislative Assembly of the State of New Jersey, Shama Haider, and various officials from Bergen County.

On this occasion, Assemblywoman Shama Haider said that Muslim Heritage Month is an excellent way to enlighten others about our history, civilization, and culture.

Later, in a conversation with Voice of South Asia, Assemblywoman Shama Haider said that Muslims of the America should participate in politics and be part of the legislative houses.

Non-profit organization of Cultural Society of Bergen County women members Farhat Khan, Ghazala Chauhan, Nadia Khan, Faiza Riaz, Naseem Qadir, Shahnaz Khokhar and Dr. Ghazala Arshad played an important role in organizing Muslim Heritage Month.

On this occasion, Dr. Ghazala Arshad said that Muslim Heritage Month is actually an exchange of Muslim civilization and culture.

A session titled Matrimonial was also held for unmarried Muslim women and men to choose their life partners.

Renowned mountain climber Jafar Ismail, who climbed the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, was awarded a certificate of appreciation and an award in appreciation.

Jafar Ismail shared his experiences of climbing mount Everest. He said that there is no better way to move forward in the world than education adding that education and training should be the first priority.

A quiz program was also organized for the participating children in which questions based on Islam, history, science, literature and other topics were asked from children. The winning participants, who performed outstandingly in various projects and were successful in the quiz program were awarded prizes.

The Muslim Heritage Month ceremony invited leaders of different religions on stage and organized a discussion to promote interfaith harmony under the title of Abrahamic Family.

A fireside chat was held at the event. Dalia Mogahed and Amina Roy King hosted the session. A comedy segment was also held to entertain the participants in which the participants enjoyed the humorous sentences of stand-up comedian Yasmin Al-Hadi.

The Arabic classic trio band performed beautifully and sang famous melodies while the cultural dance Dabka was also performed which was enjoyed by the participants.

Officials from Bergen County, New Jersey, expressed their views in their addresses to the participants.

The speakers said that it is a matter of honor to participate in the Muslim Cultural Heritage Ceremony.

Prayers were also offered for the progress and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah, as well as for the establishment of peace and order at the end of the Muslim Heritage Month celebration.