A story from the Broome County Jail…

The article by Shahad Ali in Truthout on Eid in Gaza this year was stunning, a grim remembering of what had been joyful Eid days in Gaza past. Yet it captured the spirit of communal celebration and resistance even as Israeli bombs fall from above. Should one send it to the young Black man trying to practice his faith under parallel, difficult conditions, literally caged in our county jail? He had been pressing for services on Jummah, sometimes leading them, filling in the kutbah. Despite the county paying over $100,000 for chaplain services, an Imam for Friday services was not to be found. Were the hotdogs they were being served halal? He didn’t know.

The note was texted to him, with some  concern that such a story might be too depressing.  Life in jails and prison can test even the most strong…

And then his generous, revelatory response back, a moment of instruction from inside:

“There’s a saying in Islam: The reminder benefits the Believer. So, while this type of news is saddening, it also inspires me to strive against the regimes and people and entities that represent and support such genocides. Whether it be intellectual or spiritually, we must all strive for a better tomorrow…”