Chicago – March 14, 2025
According to the Prison Reforms Committee Report 2023 by the Indian Supreme Court, Indian jails are overcrowded by 143%, and a large number of prisoners are Muslims. Shockingly, many of them are undertrial prisoners, meaning their cases have not even been heard in court. They are not criminals, yet they are forced to live in prison, away from their families.
The situation is even more alarming when looking at last year’s prison deaths. In 2023, 817 unnatural deaths were reported, including 660 suicides. This makes around 70% deaths which are suicides which is an alarming number. Many of these individuals could not bear the pain of leaving their families helpless. Their wives struggle to survive, and their children live like orphans.
As the second Ashrah of Ramadan begins, many Muslims are preparing to give Zakat, an important duty in Islam. This is the perfect time to remember those who are suffering behind bars, especially the innocent.
Islam teaches peace, justice, and kindness. The Quran clearly states that Zakat can be used to free innocent prisoners and those in slavery. This Ramadan, let’s use our Zakat to help free these innocent people and earn great rewards from Allah.
