San Quentin Prison Muslims spent the holy month of Ramadan together—breaking the fast and sharing in the evening meal—as a community.
Ramadan ended Sept. 11. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon. After Ramadan, Muslims around the world make an effort to keep positive attributes throughout the entire year.
This special month is a time for Muslims to get closer to Allah (swt). In addition to fasting from sunrise to sunset, Muslims make the sincere effort to learn to be more compassionate and kind to those around them.
Muslims also had an opportunity to perform additional congregational prayers, increase their knowledge in the Islamic faith, and learn about the Holy Prophet, Muhammad (saw). Imam Q. Kawsar Hossain also taught fundamental Quranic Arabic lessons to the community.
The imam said Ramadan is a time to correct and change negative habits acquired during the year. The Muslim community hopes to take their fast a step further and make it last throughout the year, he added. Muslims should strive to be at the forefront of setting positive examples for the entire San Quentin population to follow, he said. In fact, steadfastness after Ramadan is the greatest sign that one has gained benefit from the month of fasting, he noted.
The San Quentin Muslim community acknowledges and sincerely appreciates the administration and staff members who helped Islamic adherents experience this special time together, the imam commented.
Muslims are especially grateful to the kitchen staff that helped facilitate preparing the evening meals and ensured everyone enjoyed a hot, delicious meal, the imam said. He also expressed gratitude to the brothers who diligently worked to prepare the evening meal and make the morning “suhoor” (breakfast) meals.
The Muslim community celebrated the end of Ramadan with a feast on Sept. 19.
