The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a local chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today, in collaboration with the Islamic Center of Detroit (ICD), successfully provided 140 boxes of dates to 378 incarcerated Muslims across Michigan correctional facilities to support their observance of Ramadan.
This initiative, led by CAIR-MI’s Safe Spaces Department and ICD, ensured that incarcerated Muslims could break their fast with dates, following the practice, or sunnah, of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“He who provides a fasting person with something to break his fast will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”
“I feel extremely privileged and honored to serve our brothers and sisters housed in correctional facilities this Ramadan. It is important that they are able to break their fast in accordance with the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), just as he encouraged us to do.”
Said CAIR-MI’s Director of Safe Spaces, Zaynah Jadallah: “This initiative allows incarcerated Muslims to feel a sense of connection and community, knowing that someone has thought of them during this blessed month. CAIR-MI looks forward to continuing to serve the most vulnerable of our Muslim brothers and sisters, those housed in jails and correctional facilities, through other initiatives within the Safe Spaces Department.”
This effort reflects CAIR-MI’s ongoing commitment to protecting the religious rights of incarcerated Muslims, ensuring they have the necessary accommodations to observe their faith with dignity. The organization remains dedicated to advocating for the spiritual and dietary needs of Muslim individuals in correctional facilities during Ramadan and beyond.
CAIR has issued guidance for law enforcement agencies to advise them about the rights of Muslims in their custody.
SEE: A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Safe Spaces Director, Zaynah Jadallah (313) 288 9066, zjadallah@cair.com; CAIR-MI Executive Director, Dawud Walid (248) 842-1418, dwalid@cair.com, The Islamic Center of Detroit, (313) 584-4143, secretary@icdonline.org