NCJ Number
187557
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 3-13
Date Published
February 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article presents the findings of a study that explored the consequences of a group of Imams (Muslims) regularly visiting British prisons in a Christian-dominated penal system.
Abstract
The Islamic religion is currently the fastest growing non-Christian religion in British prisons. In order to document the experiences of the Imams who provide Muslim prisoners with spiritual and practical guidance, this study interviewed nine Imams at length over several months. Although not a representative sample, these nine Imams worked in 22 prisons, including locals, a dispersal, male and female prisons, and young offender institutions. The main topics of the interviews were the experience of being managed as part of the prison's chaplaincy team, experiences of direct racism, and feelings about recent improvements in the accommodation of Imams within their respective prisons. Most of the Imams perceived that conditions have improved for them and the inmates they serve, largely due to the strategies they have adopted in order to gain increased acceptance by the prison authorities. At the same time, however, many argued that the prison system itself must resolve the structural imbalance between Christian and non-Christian religions within prisons, particularly regarding the allowance of more time for Imams to perform their duties. Most Imams commented that they should be properly paid for their work and be more fully integrated into the life of the prison. They want more training for their work in prisons, and they wish to be included in all the meetings related to their work. The study concludes that the way in which Imams are currently accommodated within the religious life of British prisons constitutes "unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness, and racist stereotyping which disadvantages minority ethnic people." 15 references