AMV Participates in Interfaith Peace Prayers


Adeel with Dr. I. Hatem Bazian

The American Muslim Voice (AMV) actively participated in the San Francisco Bay Area rallies and interfaith service held to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the Iraq war.
A massive demonstration was held on March 19th in San Francisco which drew about 25,000 participants from Northern California. The demonstrators carried mock coffins draped in the American flag, images of maimed Iraqi children and umbrellas with peace signs.
The AMV introduced new faces as its main speakers. Adeel Iqbal, UC Berkeley student and American Muslim Voice Youth Director who is of Pakistan origin, was among the many speakers who addressed the rally. Adeel was also interviewed by KPFA radio.
Reverend Cecil Williams from Glide Church and Dr. Hatem Bazian, Professor at the Near East and Ethnic Studies Department, University of California, Berkeley were other prominent speakers at the rally.
Many interfaith services were held in San Jose on March 20.
Multi faith Voices for Peace & Justice along with many other congregations organized a special service at the First Unitarian Church in San Jose to mourn the dead in Iraq and to pray for peace. The interfaith service was attended by Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus.
Adnan Iqbal of the American Muslim Voice youth group mesmerized the congregation with Azan in his melodious voice. Addressing the audience Ms Samina Sundas emphasized the message of the Holy Qur’an about the unity of mankind. In this context she presented the following Surah Hujuraat (number 49, verse 13):
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. God is All-knowing and All-aware.
The interfaith participants later marched to the Veteran’s Plaza to join about 2,000 other demonstrators. Dr. Hatem Bazian and AMV’s Executive Director Ms. Sundas represented the Muslim community at the San Jose peace rally.

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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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