A grand Iftaar dinner took place on the evening of March 14, 2025, at the King Palace banquet hall in Edison, NJ, uniting a large gathering of South Asian community members, primarily from Pakistan and India. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to break their fasts and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan in a spirit of unity and reflection.

The evening commenced with a soulful recitation from the Holy Quran, setting a serene and spiritual tone. This was followed by a moving Nasheed performance, captivating the audience and filling the hall with an air of reverence and harmony.

The event was organized by Adnan Khawaja, Waqas Hashim Sunny, Baseer, and Mohammed Atif, who worked diligently to bring together community members, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and local business owners. Many nonprofits and business leaders were present, demonstrating strong community involvement and collaboration. The Edison Muslim Community Center (EMCC) was among the notable supporters of the event, providing valuable backing and encouragement to ensure its success.

One of the most notable aspects of the evening was the attendance of several elected officials from New York and New Jersey, underscoring the significance of the gathering and the growing influence of the Muslim community in the region.

Edison Mayor Sam Joshi was the highlight of the event. In his address, Mayor Joshi extended warm greetings to the Muslim community for Ramadan and acknowledged their valuable contributions to the township. He also shared significant news regarding the township’s ongoing efforts to support the Muslim community. 

“We are working on many projects and programs to uplift and assist our diverse community,” he stated, adding the exciting announcement that a brand-new grand mosque will soon be opening on Plainfield Avenue. “This mosque will serve as a central hub for worship, education, and community activities for our growing Muslim population,” he declared to enthusiastic applause.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chairman Ankur Vaidya, accompanied by FIA officials Srujal Parikh and others. They conveyed heartfelt wishes to the community for a blessed Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural unity and mutual respect. Other notable attendees included Kashif Hussain, Deputy Public Advocate for Infrastructure & Environmental Justice in New York City, and Ilayas Quraishi, Chief Operating Officer of Parikh Worldwide and ITV GOLD TV Channel, whose presence added further prestige to the occasion.

Several other prominent figures attended, including Siraj Bohra from Alwali Mosque, officials from APNA New Jersey, and representatives from local organizations such as MCNJ (Muslim Center of New Jersey), NBIC (New Brunswick Islamic Center), and Mom for Pantry, all of whom were acknowledged and appreciated for their continuous service and dedication to the community.

The Iftaar dinner stood as a remarkable evening of faith, fellowship, and shared commitment to fostering a strong, inclusive, and thriving community in Edison and beyond.

(Used with permission from NIT)

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