South Asian Community Unites for Grand Iftaar Dinner at King Palace, Edison, NJ

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Soulful recitation of the Holy Quran, recited by an Islamic scholar, setting a serene and spiritual tone for the evening. Photo: Adnan Khawja

A grand Iftaar dinner was held on Friday, March 14, evening at the King Palace banquet hall in Edison, NJ, bringing together a large gathering of South Asian community members, primarily from Pakistan and India, 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.

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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.

Sam Joshi, Edison Mayor, with host committee members at the Iftaar dinner. Photo: Adnan Khawja

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.

Community members posing for a photo at the Iftaar dinner event. Photo Adnan Khawja

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.