Incarcerated Muslims of America Foundation (IMAF) is a
non-profit organization striving in the way of Allah by
reaching out to the Incarcerated Muslims in America by
the way of Dawah and Sadaqa. There are over 50,000
Muslims incarcerated in America's prison system and
IMAF's mission is to raise money for the indigent of
Ummah of Sayyidi Muhammed (may the peace and blessing be
upon him) incarcerated in America. Our goals are to
provide professional legal services, provide Islamic
burial arrangements, obtain funds for Eid Al-Fitr and
Eid Al-Ahad and present our noble Qur'ans, prayer rugs
and financial support to those who are less fortunate.
In the name of Allah the most
gracious the most merciful. I am a Board Member (and an incarcerated Muslim) of
this new charity program reaching out to the less fortunate (faqara) muslims
incarcerated in America. I was chosen for my past organizational and marketing
experience; I have owned two successful retail stores and an import/export
company based in Fes, Morocco. I accepted this position because who can inform
the muslim world about the life of an incarcerated muslim better than the one
who is actually incarcerated. There are approximately 109 Federal Bureau of
Prisons in America holding an estimated 50,000 Muslims who are only entitled to
$250 for both religious holiday (EID) meals.
Allah says: "You are the best of
peoples ever raised up for mankind; so how is it possible for the disbelievers
to show more support to their brothers, than the Muslims showing support to
another Muslim... who are the best people Allah ever created." Many of Allah's
servants are innocent with no financial support to obtain a Muslim attorney, who
by the will of Allah can prove the injustice in their case. I've experienced in
2006 the Chaplain ordered only 12 lbs of lamb chops for over 80 Muslims for Eid
Al-Ahad. Islam teaches that when a Muslim suffers anywhere in the world, the
entire Ummah feels it or should feel it.
Kufr in doctrinairism and
western culture have desensitized Muslims who are in this age remain indifferent
to the lamentable plight of their brethren suffering in many parts of the world.
Here in the United States, Muslims are suffering in State and Federal prisons
and are being deprived of their Islamic rights while they are incarcerated. It
is imperative for our worldly life and for our salvation in the Hereafter that
we open our heart and show love to our brethren. It is such a small action which
carries huge rewards.
Allah said: "By no means you
should attain unless you spend in Allah's cause of that wealth in which you
love.
My Muslim brothers and sisters,
there is a need for your support, aid your Muslim brethren, without this
program, many will continue to stray off the path of Islam by indulging in the
haraam to survive in the prison environment. We would like to begin this year
contributing an additional $250 to the 109 Federal prisons to increase the
enjoyment of these sacred holidays, provide legal assistance and establish
prison Bayta'a Ma'al for the less fortunate.
A question was imposed to
Hadrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thaavii "is it better to spend money on Umrah or the
poor? He answered "it is far superior to give the money to the poor than to
perform Umrah. Giving the money to the genuine faqura and masaakan is equivalent
in reward of a Hajj.
The Prophet (SAW) said, " If
anyone fulfills his brothers needs, Allah will fulfill his needs, if one
relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve him of his troubles on the
day of Resurrection. I call on Muslims to lavishly and sincerely contribute for
the sake of Allah. Give a few moments of your time towards aiding your
incarcerated brothers and sisters. There is no good in leaving them in the
vaults of the kuffars unattended and unnoticed, and not only your brethren, but
build your Iman.
Abdur
Rahman Shakir Al Amar, Federal Bureau of Prisons-
Bennettsville, South Carolina USA
CONTACT ME:
ANTONIO JOHNSON #98296-071
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O BOX 52020
BENNETTSVILLE, SC 29512
