Somerset County commissioners proclaim January 2025 as Muslim Heritage Month

Somerset County commissioners on Jan. 14 formally recognized January 2025 as Muslim Heritage Month, reading a proclamation that cites a state joint resolution designating January each year for that observance.

The proclamation, read aloud by a county commissioner, notes that Gov. Phil Murphy signed the state joint resolution on April 29, 2023, and states that about 1.9 billion people worldwide identify as Muslim, with more than 300,000 in New Jersey and an estimated 10,000 in Somerset County.

The proclamation spotlights local Muslim leaders and elected officials mentioned in the text, including Sadaf Jaffer, identified in the proclamation as a Somerset County resident and the first Muslim American woman to serve as mayor in the United States; Sham Hader, named as one of two Muslim American women elected to the New Jersey Legislature; and Bernice (Tina) Jala, named as Somerset County surrogate. The proclamation calls on county residents to learn about and recognize contributions by Muslims to local communities and the nation.

Following the reading, Sarah Godolan (identified in the record) thanked commissioners and described the event as the county’s annual Muslim Heritage Month recognition. A resident identifying themself as a Franklin Township councilman spoke briefly to thank the commissioners and noted local representation, and Janine Qtub, speaking on behalf of the Somerset County Muslim community and the New Jersey Muslim Heritage Month Coalition, expressed gratitude for the county’s recognition and thanked coalition organizers and county surrogate Tina Jello for their assistance in arranging the proclamation.

The ceremony included an invitation for community members to pose for a photo and ended without formal action required of the board.

The commissioners did not vote on the proclamation; it was presented as a ceremonial recognition and followed the board’s regular agenda.