The American Muslim Council hosted their 6th Annual Grand Interfaith Ramadan Dinner or Iftar at the Royal Albert Palace in Edison, NJ on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 with theme, “Standing United for Humanity.” Various Faith Clergy Members spoke on the topic of “Standing United For Humanity'”, the theme of the Interfaith Ramadan Iftar event.
American Muslims from across New Jersey and around the world have been observing the holy month of Ramadan where they fast from dawn to sunset in an effort to reconnect spiritually and to be grateful for their many blessings. It is a time to better one’s character, to ask for forgiveness, to be more compassionate through acts of kindness and charity. The breaking of the fast at sunset is called the Iftar. The Annual Interfaith Ramadan Iftar to be held on June 15th, 2017 will bring over 700 people together from diverse faith communities across New Jersey to celebrate the blessed month of Ramadan with New Jersey Muslim leaders.
“American Muslims are part of the fabric of American society,” said American Muslim Council Founder & Chairman, Sam Khan. “The purpose of this Iftar is for our community to break bread with our various faith communities during the month of Ramadan so we can come together to honor those who share our values of community service and work for the good of humanity.”
The event was attended by numerous elected officials. Confirmed representatives including Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Samuel Thompson, Senator Raymond Lesniak, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin, Mayor John McCormac, Mayor Thomas Lankey, Mayor Brad Cohen, Freeholder Assad Akhter, Freeholder Brian Levine and others.
There were representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who will be speaking at the event. The keynote speaker was Dr. Wahy-ud Deen Shareef, the Imam of Masjid Waarith ud Deen of Irvington, NJ., and Essma Bengabsia, President of the Muslim Network.
The American Muslim Council presented awards to some individuals and organizations including Dr. Ali Chaudry, Senator Raymond Lesniak, Make the Road NJ, NJ Muslim Lawyer Association, Muslim League of Voters, and the New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
The American Muslim Council recognized the American Muslim Action Network, the NJ Muslim Voter Project, Masjid-E-Ali and Action Together NJ, for their service to the community. There was a prayer and a moment of silence observed for all victims of hate at the event.
The MCs were Azra Baig, a South Brunswick Board of Education Member and Community Activist, and Ahmed Al-Shebab, Board member of CAIR National and CAIR-NJ. The American Muslim Council is a New Jersey-based organization that promotes Muslim civic participation in the United States of America. The Mission of American Muslim Council is to organize the American Muslim Community in mainstream public affairs, civic engagement, party politics and community outreach.