10-March-2024
On
Saturday-9-March, the Borough of Bogota, along with the Bogota Muslins, in
coordination with Eid Committee of New Jersey, hosted the second annual Ramadan
Celebration in the Borough. Due to the weather conditions, the ceremony was
moved to the Senior Centre above the Bogota Public Library. The event began
with Mr. Adeel Parvaz giving the call to prayer. Then Mr. Yousuf Laeeq would lead
the first prayer of the new month. The official ceremony
began when Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Simra Hussain welcome everyone
in attendance. Then Ms. Hussain asked Ms. Lubaina Parvaz to recite verses
from the Quran. This was read in Arabic, followed by Ms. Maryan Ali who gave
the English translation. Bogota Mayor Ms. Daniele Fede thanked everyone who
came for the evening, and welcomed anyone who is visiting Bogota for the first
time. A representative from New Jersey State Assemblywoman Ms. Shama
Haider, delivered a message to thank Bogota for celebrating Ramadan. Jenna Makkaoui next described how the
fasting helps with self-discipline and promotes empathy for those less
fortunate. She was followed by Bogota Police Officer Laura Shakiri. Officer
Shakiri talked about coming from Macedonia and becoming the first Muslin
Officer to join the Bogota Police Force. Then Yasmin, a Student Speaker, said
she is glad to have a celebration of Ramadan in Bogota to show the diversities
of the communities in the Borough. Ayza Raza sang in the Praise of God. Then Tasneem
offered the closing remark. Next Ms. Ali present Mayor Fede, and other
Bogota Officials with gifts thanking them for their work in making this
celebration possible. After the ceremony, craft tables offer a
chance to make a paper lantern or get Henna Tattoos. Along with sampling of the
evening meal of Spinach Pies, Falafels and Dates. The event ended with turning
on the lights decorating the front of Borough Hall. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holy
month of fasting, beginning, and ending with the appearance of
the crescent moon. This is when God revealed to Prophet Muhammad
(Peace be Upon Him) ‘The Qur’an,’ Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the
people.” This month is a period of introspection, communal prayers
and helping the poor and needy. A part of this period is the Sawm
which is to practice a fast-during daylight hour. The end of the
month of Ramadan, this year will be on Wednesday-10-April and is celebrated as
Eid al-Fitr: the “Festival of breaking the Fast”.
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