Ramadan Kareem

 

8-Febraury -2026

 On Saturday-7-Febraury, the Borough of Bogota, along with the Bogota Muslins, in coordination with Eid Committee of New Jersey, hosted their annual Ramadan Celebration in the Borough.

 With the first day of Ramadan scheduled to start at Sunset on Tuesday-17-February, this was an event to welcome the Holy Month and to prepare  the fasting, reflection, and prayer The event was held in the Senior Centre above the Bogota Public Library.

 The event began with  a welcoming by Ms. Jenna Makkaoui. She talked about the spirit and how the fasting helps with self-discipline and promotes empathy for those less fortunate. She also introduced Ms. Ambreen Naeem and Ms. Tasneen Salam who are both the first Muslim Trustees for the Bogota Board of Education.

Next Students stepped forward to recite from the Quran. They were Hamza Parvaz who read the text in Arabic. With Adan Ali offering an English translation followed by a Spanish translation by Brendel.

 Then former Bogota Student Issa Iqbal talked about what Ramadan means to him. After this Ayza Raza read the book " Under the Ramadan Moon" by Sylvia Whitman.

 Next was a performance of the choir from the Academy of Greatness and Excellence located in Ridgefield Park. Then members of the Muslin Student Association of Bogota High School. They were recognize work in planning  and working during the event. Also thanked was the Bogota Police Department, the Bogota Volunteer Fire Department for overseeing the safety for the event. Along with the Bogota Department of Public Works for setting up the Senior Centre and  the Cresent and Star in front of Borough Hall.

 A number of elected officials then spoke to the audience. First to speak was New Jersey State Assemblywoman Shama Haider, delivered a message to thank Bogota for celebrating Ramadan. She added that Ramadan is more than just a time for the Muslin Communities to work with their Communities, but to volunteer and assist local towns like Bogota, Bergen County, and all of New Jersey during the month of Ramadan, and beyond.

 Next was Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte. He presented Eid Committee of New Jersey, the Bogota Muslins, and Borough of Bogota for hosting this year's Ramadan event.

 Next Bogota Mayor Daniele Fede welcome everyone to Bogota, was happy to again host a Ramadan event in the Borough. Followed by Council President Lisa Kohles appreciated the chance to be part of the celebration and to learn more the Muslin Culture.

 After a few closing remarks those in attendance were serves homemade food. Along with craft tables offer a chance to make personal items or get Henna Tattoos. The event ended people walking out to Larch Ave. to watch the lighting of 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 Friday-20-March based on the first new Moon sighting and is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr: the “Festival of breaking the Fast”.

 

 

                         (To help support Bogota Blog NJ with its coverage of Local stories & sports

 please contribute at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ) 

 

 

 

                          

                        (To help support Bogota Blog NJ with its coverage of Local stories & sports

                                                             please contribute at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ)