Excerpt:
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'll give the message of peace, we'll give the message of interfaith harmony," Qayyoom said.