As Salaamu Alaikum Rahmatu Allah Wa Barakatu:
We want to update you about events taking place with a community of Muslims
in the Santa Rosa Guadalupe County Corrections Facility (GCCF).
Since June 2003 the ICNM has become the religious sponsor for this
Islamic Community. Our Brothers were in dire need since the new warden established
a policy requiring all prison religious communities to be recognized and
conduct religious activities under the supervision of an outside sponsor.
Within a 100 mile radius of the city of Albuquerque, there are over 150
Muslims in prison. Most of them became Muslims while in prison. These Brothers, and
likely some Sisters (I am presently inquiring about this), are part of our
community and need our help, guidance and dawah. I ask anyone who is
interested in volunteering to please do so. Even if it is only once a month, or once
every two months, every little bit helps.
At present over eight ICNM brothers have responded to
the call to work as religious volunteers, and have had
an incredible impact and effect on the lives of our incarcerated brothers.
Al Hamdulillah, may Allah bless them for their efforts.
[PHOTOS AT RIGHT] The GCCF shown at top; Brother Mula Akbar (center) and
Brother Scott Goold (bottom) clown around at the historical
"Pecos Jail" after a teaching session.
1. We are still looking for brothers who want to volunteer for the prision
program. We are presently going to the prison Fridays for Jumah Salat (10:30am -
3:00pm), and Saturdays from (7:00am - 12:30pm) for Islamic classes directed by ICNN volunteers.
2. On October 11th (8:00m - 3:00pm), the GCCF will provide training for
volunteers who have signed up and passed the clearence. If you are
interested in becoming a volunteer, or have previously volunteered and have a clearance, it is
important you attend this training.
[above: ICNM Brothers gather after completing October training]
3. On October 18th (8:30am - 4:00pm), the GCCP is hosting a one-day
retreat featuring Islamic activities. This day of Dawah is open not only to our Muslim
Brothers, but also to any non-Muslims in the facility at large. The one-day event will include talks, lectures, discussions
and a panel-discussion given by ICNM Brothers. This is the first event of its kind in New Mexico
history, and we encourage our Brothers to attend. We are requesting help with
lectures, donations of food, and attendance of Brothers from our community.
I also want to give thanks on behalf of the ICNM volunteers, as well as the Brothers
from the Islamic Community Masjid Muhammad at GCCF, for the $400 in donations.
These funds will be used for our Brothers during Ramadhan and to buy Islamic materials. In addition,
we thank you for the donations of prayer rugs and prayer beads for the community. These Brothers
lacked the basic Islamic materials. It has made a signficant difference in their lives to know they
are not forgotten and that they have a Ummah that cares for them. The Brothers from GCCF thank you from the
deepest parts of their hearts.
Jazak Allah Khair...
