Thursday, March 8, 2012

New York imam begins campaign to make Mohammed’s birthday a national holiday in the US

Oh hell no!
(Queens) A Jackson Heights imam has started a campaign to make April 26, the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, a national holiday.

Mohd Qayyoom, head of the Muhammadi Community Center, at 37-46 72nd St., said he believes having a national celebration for the prophet’s birthday would enable the growing Muslim population in America to have an annual celebration and would foster a spirit of cooperation with those of other faiths. [...]

“We want one day, an annual holiday like Christmas,” he said.

While Qayyoom plans to formally announce his campaign April 22 at the second planned Interfaith Harmony and World Peace event in Jackson Heights, he said he is already starting it. He said he has contacted Jackson Heights’ elected officials and plans to reach out to leaders of other faiths.
Money quote:
“Everywhere I’m talking, they’re welcoming it,” Qayyoom said. [...]
You're kidding, right?