Today, the Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the successful expansion of religious accommodations for incarcerated Muslims at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF). Following recent constructive meetings with Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) administrators and wardens, the updated policies reflect a commitment to respecting and upholding the religious rights of Muslim inmates.
Accommodations include the following:
Religious Attire: The facility has implemented a policy allowing Muslim inmates to wear facility-issued religious head coverings, including kufis and hijabs, at any time and location at the facility. This provision protects religious expression and identity for incarcerated individuals.
Halal Meals: While pork is not served at the facility to cater to Adventist, Islamic and Jewish faiths, Muslim inmates can request Halal meals through the Chaplain. The facility has revised its menu to ensure that Halal options are available regularly, with meat options available three to four days a week.
Ramadan Meals: During the holy month of Ramadan, MCCF will continue to accommodate fasting inmates by providing meals timed for before sunrise and sunset. Inmates will receive a second meal to break their fast, along with additional bagged meals for sustenance. A festive meal will be offered at the end of Ramadan.
Prayer Accommodations: MCCF has permitted regular faith-based programming, including Jum’ah services on Fridays allowing all Muslim inmates the opportunity to participate in obligatory communal prayer. With an expected increase in volunteer support, the facility is exploring expanding its faith-based programming.
“These policies are a monumental step towards protecting the rights of incarcerated Muslims and preserving their dignity,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “We commend MCCR and DOCR for their flexibility and commitment to religious freedom and look forward to a continued partnership to facilitate these processes.”
CAIR offers an educational toolkit, called “A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help correctional officers and administrators gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims.
SEE: A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293