Judge Nadia Kahf to Serve as a State Superior Court Judge in Passaic County, New Jersey

NAML congratulates Nadia Kahf on her confirmation as New Jersey Superior Court Judge.

In a statement, NAML President Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Esq. said:

"We congratulate Judge Nadia Kahf on her historic confirmation as the latest American Muslim in the judiciary. As an accomplished attorney, a longtime advocate for causes of justice, and an active member of the New Jersey Muslim community, Judge Kahf should be a role model for Muslims pursuing legal careers. We pray that Allah blesses Judge Kahf with guidance and wisdom in her new role."

Credit: NAML Vice President Baraa Kahf

On March 21, Kahf took the oath of office, placing her hand on a 150-year-old Quran that was handwritten by Kahf’s great grandmother. This made Kahf the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to serve as a state Superior Court judge in Passaic County, New Jersey.

Kahf joins Sharifa Salaam and Kalima Ahmad, two Muslim women currently serving as New Jersey Superior Court judges. In an interview with North Jersey, Kahf stated that she is “very happy and very honored as well” and that she is “happy the bench is going to reflect the residents of New Jersey and that we are moving toward that.”

Kahf’s confirmation was long-awaited as she was appointed over a year ago by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Kahf’s official appointment was stalled by state senator Kristin Corrado, causing delays in the confirmation process.

Following her confirmation, Kahf shared her thoughts and stated, “I am proud to represent the Muslim and Arab communities in New Jersey and the United States… I want the younger generation to see that they can practice their religion without fear… Diversity is our strength, it is not our weakness, and I wish more people understood that.”

Kahf is a Syrian-American who immigrated to the United States as a young child. She graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law and later started her law practice that specialized in immigration and family law.

In addition to practicing law, Kahf has dedicated years of service to the American Muslim community through her involvement as chair of the board with the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and her leadership as president of the Islamic Center of Passaic County.

NAML enthusiastically congratulates Judge Kahf on this historic appointment.