- A recent study highlights that the conversion of African-American male prisoners carries a profound social justice message that challenges the prevailing American penal ideology. This intertwines a divine image of God being a white male. The experience for this was transformative due to the elimination of racism, discipline from adhering to the faith, and the profound love found within the brotherhood of Muslims.
- Studies conclude that Islam is more successful at rehabilitating inmates than other state-sanctioned programs. Officials were recommended to harness its power.
In the landscape of the American prison system, a thought-provoking statistical pattern emerges. Muslim Advocates took a closer look at 34 states in America. They found that Muslims were over-represented in state prisons by a factor of eight relative to the general population. In some state systems, Muslims were over-represented by a factor of closer to eighteen, with more than a notable 20% of prisoners identifying as Muslim. This is despite comprising only 1% of the overall population. 49% of black Muslims have undergone conversions to Islam.
And….”African American prison inmates convert to Islam at a rate faster than any other demographic group in the United States.” – Islam among African-American Prisoners
Such conclusions invite us to delve into the profound influence and transformative power that Islam holds for individuals navigating the complex domain of correctional facilities.
A study by Bard college examined Why Black Men Convert to Islam While Incarcerated and the Effects Conversion has on their Processes of Re-entry. It asserted that Islam is more successful at rehabilitating inmates than other state-sanctioned programs.
In addition, the study concludes, that for African American men who embraced Islam while behind bars, the experience proved transformative due to the elimination of racism, the discipline that comes with adhering to the faith and the profound love found within the brotherhood of Muslims in prison. The author states, “Upon a closer look, it was clear to see a unique manifestation of masculinity and brotherhood that set them apart from their fellow inmates.”
Upon their eventual release, the inmates expressed a newfound readiness to reintegrate into society, attributing this readiness to Islam bestowing upon them a renewed sense of purpose. Embracing their Islamic faith, they felt a deeper resonance and personal agency, enabling them to assume greater control over their own behaviour and choices.
As we have mentioned, the conversion of African-American male prisoners carries a profound social justice message that challenges the prevailing American penal ideology. This message is particularly significant in a society where historical and systemic biases have disproportionately affected minority communities, particularly African-Americans.
Moreover, it is essential to recognise how certain aspects of cultural and Christian representation might perpetuate these biases. For instance, the long-standing portrayal of God as a white male in Western societies has been deeply ingrained in art, literature, and religious iconography. This representation reinforces notions of racial superiority and contributes to a gross distorted image of who our creator is.
The antithesis of this is Islam’s stance on race, as Islam came to eliminate racism.
In his final sermon, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action.”
Bukhari
This statement emphasises the fundamental equality of all human beings in Islam, regardless of race or ethnicity, and promotes the importance of character and righteousness as the true measure of superiority in the sight of Allah.
In light of this, it is important for us to consider the transformative, enlightening and spiritual journey of our brother El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, otherwise known as Malcom X. Following Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca and his departure from the Nation of Islam, he developed a dramatically revised perspective on faith and race which he found in orthodox Sunni Islam.
He said, "The white Jesus image has been used as a means to oppress people of colour, to give a false sense of superiority to one race over another. We need to embrace the true image of Jesus, one that reflects his Middle Eastern heritage and recognises the beauty and diversity of humanity."
In addition, the aforementioned study also sheds light on the historical use of the Bible to justify the institution of slavery in America. In this context, Muslim men incarcerated found solace and empowerment by drawing upon the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.
Similarly, in the investigation Religion as Rehabilitation? Reflections on Islam in the Correctional Setting (by University of Pittsburgh, School of Law). It was concluded that Islam was the greatest rehabilitator for inmates. It was recommended that, “Officials should work to harness some of this power!”
“Yeah but they all convert in Prison anyway.”
In recent years, there has been an expression of disdain from Islamophobes towards the phenomenon of individuals converting to Islam while in prison. However, it is essential to understand the unique circumstances that incarcerated individuals face. Prison life already imposes numerous restrictions, from strict schedules with “Lights out!” orders to enduring lacklustre meals. Given these challenges, one might question why, at such a critical juncture in life, an individual would willingly subject themselves to further discipline by embracing Islam.
Contrary to misconceptions, embracing Islam in prison provides inmates with a chance to be isolated from the distractions of the world and an opportunity for self-reflection. The two studies mentioned earlier both affirm that it is precisely the discipline of the faith that offers inmates grounding and purpose during their time behind bars.
Rapper Dave East embraced Islam in prison and praises the discipline of the faith
In an interview with Hard Knock TV, East was asked about his conversion to Islam in prison. He said about a Muslim inmate he was with:
“I was around my big boy Bully. I was around him everyday. You could be locked up, you could be lost a little bit. Like, you don’t know how you’re going to wake up, you know what I am saying? Some days you might wake up like yeah whatever, you might wake up mad at the world you don’t wanna eat the food that day and i was watching him be cool through everything. He had way more time than me, he had a nice little eight piece he was doing and he was chilling. He never got too excited, never got too down. I would watch him praying- it always related to discipline.”
In the UK, the Lammy review- 2017 painted a similar picture regarding over-representation of Muslims and Black minorities in prison. In addition, the report highlighted the mistreatment of black and Muslim minorities in prison compared to their white counterparts. This pivotal report shed light on the urgent need to address systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system and sparked a call for collaborative efforts to promote fairness, equality, and rehabilitation, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and just society for all.
“The School of Yusuf AS”
Prison can be a time of genuine spiritual enlightenment for many, as emphasized by the words of Umar RA:
“People who have the worst pasts, have the best futures”
Furthermore, Ibn Taymiyyah beautifully expressed the transformative power of seclusion, stating:
“If you put me in seclusion, you are giving me alone time with God.”
This message holds profound significance, encapsulating the essence of faith, the resilient mindset of believers in difficult situations and how one should perceive power and control.
The penal systems in the West are perpetually unjust, as they lack divine origins. This can be seen in the overrepresentation of certain communities in prison, as highlighted above, as well as in the high-profile case of the ‘Central Park Five’ in New York and the inconsistencies of sentencing and sentence lengths. However, we firmly believe in the profound wisdom of Allah al Hakim, where purpose resides in every circumstance.
Imprisonment, for some individuals, can offer a unique opportunity for vast personal growth, rehabilitation, and introspection, and, in certain cases, crucially safeguard communities from harm. However, our heartfelt aspiration remains for our brothers to abstain from a life of crime and confinement altogether, as it is from a Muslim that the people should find protection and solace. We also recognise that the suffering and hardship endured by the mothers and families of inmates is a matter which deserves due consideration, for brothers who are engaged in a life of crime. Moreover, life is a gift from Allah and must be used optimally.
May Allah protect our ummah from harm..Ameen
Welldone sister, May Allah Almighty reward you for your efforts. Sister, please also write on stance of Muslim scholars on GMO food and lab grown meat. As this is modern time issue which is causing confusion among Muslims. What should general Muslims especially living in west react when they see GMO and lab grown meat tomorrow in markets?