Independence Day 2024
Masroor Mosque Attends the 56th Annual Prince William Independence Day Parade
July 4th commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States of America. Each year, Prince William County hosts its annual Independence Day parade in Dale City, offering a chance for the community to come together and celebrate. This year marked the 56th annual parade, a testament to the county’s enduring spirit and tradition.
In the early morning, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, including Atfal, Khuddam, and Ansar, gathered to participate. They proudly carried a large banner displaying the community’s motto: “Love for All, Hatred for None,” alongside promoting the “Muslims for Peace” campaign.
Mirza Maaz Ali Sahib, Secretary Tabligh for South Virginia Jama’at, emphasized the significance of their participation: “Participating in Independence Day parades demonstrates the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s commitment to the Hadith, ‘Love of one’s country is a part of faith,’ showcasing their patriotism and integration of faith with civic duty.”
Despite the mid-90s temperatures, the participants’ enthusiasm remained high, and they enjoyed the festivities. A notable highlight was the Sikh Center of Virginia, led by Davinder Singh Sahib, who distributed over 2,000 cold bottles of water to parade attendees. This gesture of kindness and interreligious harmony was warmly received, showcasing the unity and cooperation between different faith communities. Davinder Singh is a long-time friend of Masroor Mosque, regularly participating in the annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner held during Ramadan.
Following the parade, a Family Fun Day was organized, featuring various stalls and booths for community members to enjoy. Masroor Mosque’s stall was centrally located, attracting significant attention. The Ahmadiyya Muslim stall displayed banners highlighting Quranic teachings on peace and justice, as well as books such as “World Crisis and Pathway to Peace” and “True Justice and Peace” by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba). For those interested in learning more about Islam, “The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam” by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Promised Messiah and Mahdi (as), was also available.
The stall drew many visitors, including a local resident who realized during a conversation with the Tabligh team that he had previously visited Masroor Mosque for blood drives. This interaction highlighted the mosque’s ongoing community engagement and the positive impact of their outreach efforts.
The 56th annual Independence Day parade in Dale City was more than just a celebration of national pride; it was a showcase of community spirit, interfaith harmony, and mutual respect which highlight the true values that the United States of America was founded upon.