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 Bronx, 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: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it