EDISON — The American Muslim Council Political Awareness Committee recently hosted its third annual interfaith iftar and honored Sen. Peter Barnes with the Community Engagement Award for his engagement with the Asian community in New Jersey.
“The purpose of this iftar is for our community to break bread with our Christian, Jewish and Hindu brethren during the month of Ramadan, so we can come together to honor those who share our values of community service and working for the good of humanity,” said Sam Khan, the committee’s founder and chairman.
The New Jersey-based organization promotes Muslim civic participation in the United States.
American Muslims across New Jersey are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan where they fast from dawn to sunset in an effort to empathize with the hungry and homeless. The breaking of the fast at sunset is called the iftar.
The committee honored others for contributions to those in need, including the Rev. James Thomas of the First Presbyterian Church of Iselin for dedication to South Asian community in New Jersey, and to Ghani Khan of the American Muslim for Hunger Relief. The Media Excellence Award went to Dr. Inam Ul Haq, Dr. Nuran Nabi and Mian Aziz H.R. Shah of TV Asia.
Also honored were Mahesh Shah, representing the Indian Business Association, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Freeholder Bilal Beasley. The committee also honored Asif Jamal of ARY Digital TV with the Good Business Practice Award.