islam in prison® is a division of Al-Furqaan Foundation®
Vision
A future in which individuals behind bars are transformed through faith‑centered support and, as Muslims, return to society with dignity, purpose, and the potential to build better lives.
Mission
Deliver Islamic resources, spiritual guidance, and mentorship within correctional facilities.
Connect incarcerated individuals with compassionate, community-based support.
Strengthen personal well-being, religious understanding, and financial capability.
Create pathways to entrepreneurship, successful reentry, and long-term stability.
Prison dawah
We provide unlimited free quantities of the English, Spanish, and Arabic Qurans to facilities across the U.S., meeting both individual and bulk requests from facility personnel. Additionally, we distribute free Islamic literature and brochures to introduce and deepen understanding of Islam.
Support services for incarcerated Muslims
To help Muslims in the American prison system practice their faith, we provide essential religious materials, including:
- Prayer rugs
- Kufis and hijabs
- Dhikr beads
- Islamic books
- Miswak, attar, and thobes (where facilities permit)
Ramadhan and Eid support program
- Dates for Ramadhan: During Ramadhan, each fasting participant receives three dates daily to break their fast, following the advice of the Prophet (PBUH)
- Halal Eid meals: After Ramadhan, participants celebrate Eid with one Halal meal per occasion, creating community spaces within the prison environment
Expansion
Our work continues to grow each year, reaching more facilities and serving an ever-increasing number of people in prison. The steady expansion allows us to positively impact more lives, bringing hope, support, and community to those who need it most.
As part of our vision for holistic re-entry support, we aim to establish traditional housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of Muslim individuals. These homes will provide a safe, faith-aligned environment to ensure a smooth and successful reintegration into society. With resources, guidance, and community support, we seek to empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Program details
- Housing solutions: Our purpose is to offer safe, supportive, and temporary housing for Muslims navigating life transitions such as relocation, education, or economic hardship. Our accommodations are designed to honor privacy, religious practices, and cultural needs, including designated prayer spaces and Halal food options.
- Community support: We provide access to counseling, community resources, and social services to help residents during their transition. We do this by creating a nurturing environment where residents can build connections, receive mentorship, and find encouragement.
- Alignment with Islamic values: We ensure living spaces reflect Islamic principles, including separate accommodations for men and women when needed, and areas for prayer and study. To do this, we maintain full shariah compliance standards and uphold Islamic teachings in all aspects of service and support.
- Expansion and growth: Our aim is to scale the program to serve more locations and adapt to the unique needs of diverse communities, guided by resident feedback and local requirements.
- Sustainability: In the future, we hope to develop replicable and adaptable housing models that ensure lasting support for Muslim individuals, fostering independence and stability.
challenges faced by incarcerated muslims
Lack of Access to Halal Food
- forced to eat vegan/vegetarian diets
- restrictions on commissary orders
Minimal Chaplains and Volunteers
- lack of spiritual support
- limited religious resources
Jumu'ah not always Accommodated
- issue with time off work/school for jumu'ah
- inadequate prayer spaces
- prayers rarely allowed in congregation
Discrimination
- against identity
- against name
Limited Facilities allow Ramadhan Observance
- restrictive ramadhan accommodations
- inadequate suhoor and iftar meals
Lack of access to Islamic Materials
- lack of Qurans, prayer rugs, head garments
- lack of books for spiritual development
- no support for maintaining Islamic practices
Lack of Reentry Support
- no support for employment
- no support for housing
Lack of Religious Advocacy
- legal/administrative issues
- issues with beards
- issues with head coverings
about Al-Furqaan Foundation®
Al-Furqaan Foundation® was established in 2003 with the mission to deliver the message of The Quran to every individual in America in order to fulfill 5 rights The Quran has upon us as Muslims, which are: Believe It, Recite It, Understand It, Act Upon It & Convey It.
Over the years, Al-Furqaan Foundation® has launched several projects to fulfill this mission. Our projects primarily serve the US but also expand into Canada, with future plans to take Furqaan Project, our Quran Distribution Project, to other English Speaking Countries like U.K, Australia, and India, InshaAllah.
Al-Furqaan Foundation® is recognized as an international dawah organization. We work closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society. While having continuous focus on self-development and outreach, we paved our place as a leading grassroot organization in the American Muslim community.
Al-Furqaan Foundation® is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt nationwide dawah organization based in Chicago, IL.
