Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy to be honored at Hamza Masjid mosque service in Valley Stream

The Hamza Masjid mosque in Valley Stream is hosting an interfaith service Sunday to honor the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the day before the nation commemorates the civil rights leader’s birthday through its yearly observance.

The leadership of the mosque has invited Christian and Jewish congregations from the area to take part, saying King’s message of racial equality and justice resonates for all the faith communities. The mosque has more than 300 members, its leaders say.

Participants will reflect on the speech King gave when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, in which he extolled nonviolent resistance in the civil rights struggle.

“Celebrating diversity and the rights of others are all important issues that relate to Muslims in our times,” said Karim Mozawalla, trustee and spokesman for the mosque.

King’s message can bring people of different faiths, races and backgrounds together under “the idea that every American has the same rights,” Mozawalla said.

Catholics, Jews, Baptists, Christian Scientists and Baha’is are expected to attend, Mozawalla said. The event, which is open to the public, will start at 5:30 p.m. at 200 Stuart Ave.