Description

When Yaser asked me to write the foreword for this remarkable book, I immediately said yes. Note that I rarely write forewords at all due to my very busy academic life. But I am delighted to have this opportunity to help incarcerated Muslims in American prisons.

People in American prisons are accepting Islam in large numbers. By some estimates, 80 percent of those who change their religion in prison choose Islam to be their way of life¹. Some prisoners go home and back to society, but a few are stuck there for lengthy periods. This book is good in teaching the brothers the right ‘Aqeedah (creed) and practice as well as in answering questions and concerns relating to their circumstances and situations while incarcerated. This book, not only shows the brothers and sisters how to cope Islamically with prison life, but also shows them how to live as dignified captives by referring them to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as well as the opinions of the Muslim scholars and Shaykhs.

There is a lack of resources on this topic even though it is one of the most important topics in America. Nowhere else people are embracing Islam at such a fast pace than in American prisons. Therefore, this book offers guidance for those incarcerated brothers.

What is amazing about this book is that it is simple yet comprehensive and complete; it’s scholarly yet written in a language that prisoners in general understand and relate to.

Been there! Done that!

This book is written by one who is Muslim that is highly educated and who has been incarcerated himself for over a decade in the U.S. So, he knows what it is like to live that life. That is why occasionally that author also advices the brothers as to the best way to navigate through that life. You would appreciate the care and skill he uses in each chapter, while at the same time hitting you with a splash of comedy and sarcasm here and there.

Indeed, this book is unique, timely and important due to the facts that not many books touch on this topic, and many inmates are entering the fold of Islam and need such guidance.

We ask Allah to accept this work from the author and to reward him for it, and to forgive him and us for any short comings. Lastly, all praise is to Allah.

Iman Albahri