Meeting the religious needs of Muslim prisoners requires appropriate provisions for dietary requirements, worship, personal cleanliness, religious clothing, and spiritual care. The following overview outlines key considerations for supporting Islamic religious practice in correctional facilities, including daily observances, Ramadan, and funeral arrangements.
- Halal food: Meals that meet Islamic dietary requirements, including ingredients and preparation.
- Qur’an: Every Muslim prisoner must have access to an Arabic Qur’an with an English translation by default, or a translation in the language they request. They must be able to keep it with them and read it whenever needed.
- Prayer mat: A personal prayer mat and a clean place with enough room to stand, bow, and prostrate.
- Men’s prayer clothing: Suitable clothing for prayer and a prayer hat, such as a kufi.
- Women’s full hijab and prayer clothing: A headscarf covering the hair, ears, neck, and chest; loose, full-length clothing with long sleeves; and socks covering the feet and ankles. Clothing must not be see-through and must keep the required areas covered when bowing and prostrating.
- Five daily prayers: Prisoners must be able to perform their five daily prayers within the prescribed times. They need access to a clock, an accurate prayer timetable, and the direction of Makkah. A local mosque can provide a timetable covering the full year.
- Washing and cleanliness: Access to water for washing before prayer, toilet hygiene, and a shower whenever full ritual washing is required. Privacy is needed while washing and changing.
- Ramadan fasting: Prisoners who fast need:
- A suitable meal before dawn, with enough time to eat and drink before fasting begins.
- A meal at sunset to break the fast without unnecessary delay.
- Enough food and drinking water between sunset and dawn.
- Accurate daily fasting times from a local mosque.
- Arrangements that allow them to eat during these hours, including when meals fall outside the usual prison schedule.
- Religious guidance when illness or another recognised exemption affects their ability to fast.
- Religious support: Access to an imam or qualified Muslim religious adviser for guidance, religious questions, and support.
- Friday and Eid prayers: Arrangements for Friday congregational prayer and Eid prayers where applicable, including access to an imam and a suitable prayer space.
- Respect for religious items: The Qur’an must have a clean, respectful storage place, such as a shelf, and must not be left on the floor. The Qur’an, prayer mat, and prayer clothing must be handled respectfully, including during searches.
- Care during illness and after death: During serious illness or near death, the prisoner should have access to an imam and support to pray and recite the declaration of faith if they wish. After death, arrangements should allow for:
- Prompt contact with the family and local Muslim community.
- Respectful handling of the body.
- Islamic washing and shrouding by appropriate Muslim personnel.
- The Islamic funeral prayer, Salat al-Janazah.
- Burial as soon as reasonably possible, subject to necessary legal procedures.
- Burial rather than cremation, in accordance with Islamic requirements.