TEANECK
— North Jersey Muslims continued to collect non-perishable food and
money Friday in a united effort to feed and help those in need
throughout the state.

MICHAEL KARAS / STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER

Nihal Khan, of Paramus,
counts money donated during a food drive as Ali Qureshi, of Teaneck,
collects a donation at Darul Islah after Friday prayer.

The drive was organized by the recently formed American
Muslims for Hunger Relief and was held in front of Dar-ul-Islah mosque
on Fabry Terrace after weekly prayers. Organizers said the goal is to
encourage mosques and Islamic schools in the area and throughout the
state to join together and collect items that will feed the poor.

“We are trying to engage local mosques and form a volunteer
task force among youth to continue this noble cause,” said Ghani Khan,
chairman of the association, which is based in Old Bridge. “It’s a way
to fulfill our Islamic religious obligation while helping the
underprivileged.”

Khan said since its formation the organization has held 11
food drives, about half of them in North Jersey.

A few weeks ago, for the religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, the
group collected several hundred pounds of halal meat, which was
distributed in Hackensack,
Newark, Elizabeth and the Bron said Mohammad Ali, of Teaneck,
who is vice chairman of the organization. He said donors also gave
thousands of dollars in cash.

Khan said the day after Thanksgiving seemed like a good time
to hold another drive, because many people tend to make donations
during the holidays.

“Our youth are born and raised here, and they like to keep
American tradition,” he said.

Shakil Khan, president of the mosque, said he made weekly
announcements to let members know about the the drive. But on Friday,
only a few food donations were received, including a large box of
oatmeal, a few cans of tomato sauce, a package of sweet prunes and a
bottle of gourmet teriyaki sauce. Prayer service attendees also donated
about $200 in cash, Ali said.

“We have to spread the word,’’ he said.

The collection boxes will remain in the mosque for a week, and
then items will be delivered to the Center for Food Action in Hackensack,
organizers said. The money gathered will also go toward buying food
that will be donated, Ali said.

E-mail: alvarado@northjersey.com