Muslim Chaplain, Imam Rafeeq S. Hassan began volunteering at San Quentin State Prison in 1985 under the endorsement and sponsorship of Masjid Waritheen of Oakland, CA. Imam Hassan officially became the Muslim Chaplain at San Quentin in 1986. Imam John Faqir had been the Chaplain at San Quentin for 10 years prior to Imam Hassan becoming the Chaplain for the Muslim Community at San Quentin. Imam Hassan is a student of Imam W.D. Mohammad.
Prior to his arrival here at San Quentin, Imam Hassan, came from Detroit, Michigan, where he workedas a fashion coordinator for the famous singing group “The Temptations.”
As part of his religious training he received an Islamic scholarship from the Islamic Society of North America (“ISNA”), in Indianapolis, Indiana. His studies included the following subjects: Fiqh Al Sunnah, Fiqh Al Hadith, and Fiqh Al Qur’an.
Imam Hassan facilitates Jumuah, Ta’leem, and Islamic study programs for the Mainline, Condemned Row, and Reception Center prisoners. He also finds time to facilitate various self-help programs which include, No More Tears, San Quentin Trust, and Milatti Islami (12-Step).
Imam Hassan anticipates sponsoring a Halal program in the near future that will allow prisoners to meet their religious dietary requirements. Imam Hassan constantly encourages Muslims and other incarcerated men to try and fulfill their obligations as fathers and for becoming productive members of society.
His 23 years of service here at San Quentin has allowed Imam Hassan the opportunity to work with and assist men of all faiths.