Ramadan is a time of reflection. It’s a time to slow down and take a more mindful view of our lives. It’s a time for family and community. Most of all, it’s a time to focus on and realign ourselves with the foundational tenets of our faith, and an opportunity to review our priorities and focus as we look forward to what’s coming next.
As we at the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), and our partners at our grant-funded boutique law firm, the Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America (CLCMA), reflect during this Holy month of Ramadan, it is impossible for us not to think of those of our Muslim brothers and sisters who are incarcerated and are often denied the privilege of practicing their religion. We remember those who cannot fast during this auspicious month due to not being allowed to do suhoor or who do not have the opportunity to enjoy iftar with their families and who, in some cases, are even denied the right to wear hijab, despite being in mixed-gender environments.
We will never give up the fight to keep people from being wrongly imprisoned or
to free those who have been unjustly accused and incarcerated. Even those who have been imprisoned for valid and legitimate reasons still have rights under the law that must be defended—the right of equal treatment, the right to practice their religion, and the right to legal counsel and advice.
So during this Holy month of Ramadan, please keep in mind those who are downtrodden and those who are less fortunate than the rest of us. And remember those who cannot be with their own families this Ramadan because the justice system has treated them unfairly.
Please consider using your Zakat to support the critical work that we do so that we can not only serve those who are suffering, but so that we can prevent more miscarriages of justice going forward. And if you’ve already given Zakat, please consider sadaqah as an option.
The work that we at MLFA and CLCMA do is on behalf of all of us, so join us as we fight for justice and fair treatment for all.
In faith and for justice, Arshia Ali-Khan, Interim CEO
