NEW YORK: New York’s Nassau County Executive Bruce A Blakeman has said that although we belong to different religions and nations, but we all respect each other’s beliefs, ideas and traditions, and wanted people to be come closer to each other.
He was speaking at the second annual Ramadan Iftar event hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce A Blakeman and Asian American Affairs at the David Mack Center. The Ramadan Iftar reception was started with recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat-e Rasool-e-Maqbool in honor of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), after which the American National Anthem was sung.
A large number of Muslims participated in the Iftar. Religious scholars fom the mosques of different schools of thought and the Islamic Center were also invited.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other speakers addressed the Muslims and wished them Ramadan. They said that they were well aware that Nassau County residents want to provide better upbringing for their children and ideal family environment and they also try to connect people together.
Director Asian American Affairs Aun Naqvi, presided the event. He said that the community should work together to promote mutual unity and harmony. County executive’s senior advisor Chaudhary Akram welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude to them.
Participating scholars and community leaders from Al-Khoei Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Nassau County, Fatima Mosque, Muhammadi Mosque and other institutions also spoke on the occasion. They said that Ramadan is the month of Allah Almighty and it has superiority over all months and fasting is the best way to become pious and God fearing person.
Leaders of the Sikh community and Muslim police officers also participated in the Ramadan Iftar. County Police Commissioner said that the place of worship of every religion is respectable and police ensure safety. Later, various personalities of the Muslim community received certificates of appreciation in recognition of their services. Turkish community children also enthralled the audience with their performances.
