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Annex D (ii) PART 2: ABOUT ISLAM
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Annex D (ii)PART 2: ABOUT ISLAMINTRODUCTION1. Islam is the religion of the Unity/Oneness of Allah (God) and tolerance towards all mankind. As such, Islam stands for purity, peace and complete submission to the will of Allah. A Muslim is one who submits to Allah's Will and sincerely professes the Declaration of Faith (Shahadah) "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is His Messenger". 2. Islam has its primary source of teaching and law in the Qur’an. This is the actual message of Allah giving His final statement on the meaning, purpose and conduct of human existence. The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) during the last twenty-three years of his life, early in the seventh century (CE). 3. A second source of Islamic teaching and law is the Hadith/Sunnah. These are sayings, actions and approvals of the Prophet. Other sources of Islamic law are the consensus [ljma] among scholars and jurists, and interpretations and expositions [Qiyas] of the law. 4. Islamic faith, worship, religious requirements and daily life are enunciated and regulated by sacred laws, called the Shariah that are based on the Qur’an, Hadith, ljma and Qiyas. 5. Worship in Islam has a very wide scope that could be private or communal. Much of this is encapsulated in the five pillars (or fundamental beliefs) of Islam: Al Shahadah: sincere faith from the heart and verbal testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (pbuh) is His Messenger. The fundamental articles of Islamic belief are: Faith in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Belief in all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, beginning with Adam, including Abraham (Ibrahim), Isaac (Ishaq), Jacob (Yaqub), Moses (Musa), Solomon (Sulaiman), Jesus (Issa), and ending with Muhammad (Peace be upon them all). Belief in all the Revelations of Allah, concluding with the Qur’an Belief in Angels as servants of Allah Belief in Life after Death and the Day of Judgement Belief in the accountability of humans for their own actions Salah: praying five times a day, before sunrise, noon, late afternoon, sunset and late evening, is essential. Obligatory ritual washing precedes prayer. Preferably prayer will be performed in congregation in the Mosque led by the Imam, but when this is not possible a Muslim can pray almost anywhere, wherever it is clean and quiet. During prayer, Muslims face towards Makkah ( in Saudi Arabia), which from Britain is generally in the Southeast direction. Zakah: a specific obligatory contribution that is to be used primarily for the poor and needy. Sawm - fasting during the month of Ramadan. The Muslim abstains totally from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations between dawn and sunset, as a form of discipline, a means for helping one to observe Allah’s instruction, and as an expression of thanksgiving. A Muslim may be exempt from fasting if he/she is ill, but must make up for the days missed when recovered, unless he/she suffers from an incurable disease then s/he can feed one poor person in lieu of every fasting day. Hajj - pilgrimage to Makkah. All Muslims who can afford it must make this pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. Muslims visit sacred sites in and around Makkah and Madinah (in Saudi Arabia). Sacred Writings6. The Holy Qur’an is the Muslims’ most Sacred book. It contains the precise message from Allah revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), written down without alteration, in the words in which it was revealed. It is the final source of guidance on the whole meaning, purpose and conduct of human existence. 7. An additional source of guidance is found in Hadith (traditions) containing words of advice and acts (Sunnah) of Muhammad (PBUH). There are various books of Hadith of which Bukhari and Muslim are the most famous. Ministry8. There is no ordained priesthood or centralised authority in Islam since the individual's bond with Allah is direct and needs no intermediary. In Britain, most Mosques will have an Imam in charge responsible for leading prayers, teaching and performing religious functions. Any Muslim knowledgeable of the Qur’an can, however, lead the prayers. An Imam is normally present at religious events such as marriage, death and burial. 9. A Muslim Chaplain/Imam is a male or female who has graduated in Islamic theology and law or someone who is competent to lead Muslims in prayer. A female Muslim Chaplain may only lead prayers in all female congregations. Other beliefs10. Guidance on the rights and obligations of every Muslim within the family is given in the Qur’an. Marriage and the raising of children are fundamental to the Muslim life and are the religious duty of all Muslims. In Islam, marriage is a civil contract and is a mutual agreement, made between the man and the woman before Allah and witness by Muslims. Marriage encompasses religious, practical and social, legal and economic aspects of family life. All family members have responsibilities to care for any elderly and relative who is ill. 11. Sexual morality is strict to ensure protection of the family and community and the sexes are segregated after puberty. am does not call for suppression of sexual desire, but encourages marriage. Those who do not marry are advised to protect themselves from sinful indulgence. The Shi’a School of Thought on Islam12. The majority of the world’s Muslims belong to the Sunni school of thought but the largest minority within Islam are Shi’a Muslims. The Shi’a differ with their Sunni brethren on the question of the succession to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, maintaining that Imam Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, was appointed by the Prophet by divine command to succeed him. Imam Ali, according to Shi’a belief, was the first of a succession of 12 Imams, the last of whom is Imam Mahdi (the son of the 11th Imam) who is believed to be in a state of occultation. 13. The Shi’a like all Muslims, believe that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the FINAL MESSENGER AND PROPHET sent by God to mankind, and therefore after him, no one has the right to claim to be a prophet or messenger. The Holy Qur’an is the same for both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. 14. Shi’a and Sunni Muslims do not differ on major common practices, such as the obligatory five daily prayers, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, Hajj and payment of Zakat (alms). However, Shi’a Muslims usually join the noon and afternoon prayers (although they can pray them separately at different times, like the Sunnis). Similarly, they also usually join the sunset and evening prayers. There are slight variations in terms of ritual and practice, particularly with regard to marriage and death. 15. Shi’a Muslim commemorate ‘Ashura, an annual mourning commemoration in remembrance of the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husayn, who was martyred. Arba’een (40 days after ‘Ashura) is also a day of mourning. Muslim Advisor's Office Chaplaincy HQ Room 410 Abell House [Annex E (i) replaced 23/07/07 in accordance with PSI 28/2007] Annex E (i)PART 1: PRACTICE OF JUDAISM IN PRISONS
1.1 The main members in the order of ministry within Judaism are the Rabbi and Cantor. The title Rabbi means teacher; a rabbi is an expert in Jewish law and leader of the Jews in the local community. He will often preach during synagogue worship. The Cantor or Reader leads the service in the synagogue; he needs a good voice as most of the service is chanted. 1.2 Requests for a Jewish Chaplain should be made to the Jewish Visitation Committee: Visitation Committee Bet Meir
44b Albert Road Hendon
London, NW4 2SG Telephone: 020 8457 9709 Fax: 0208 457 9707 E-mail: sue.soloway@jvisit.org.uk
1.4 See paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2 for specific provision for Orthodox Jewish prisoners. Corporate Worship
2.1 The Sabbath (Shabbat), the most important of Jewish holy days is observed weekly from sunset on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. It is set apart from the rest of the week for worship, rest and peace. The devout Jew does not work or transact business on the Sabbath. 2.2 Jewish prisoners are not required to work during the Sabbath period ie from half an hour before sunset on Fridays until dark on Saturdays.
2.3 In prisons, the normal service times are Sabbath evening and mornings. The Jewish Chaplain may wish to conduct a service on the Sabbath or at other times during his visits to the establishment. In the absence of a Chaplain or Rabbi, any lay Jew may lead communal prayer. Candles may be kindled (lit) in the Chapel or multi faith room at the Sabbath service where the Jewish Chaplain, or another member of staff, is present. 2.4 Jewish prisoners may wish to wear caps and prayer shawls and Orthodox Jews, in addition, would wear phylacteries (strap-on leather boxes enclosing parchment sections of the scriptures which are worn by male orthodox Jews on the forehead and arm) during weekday morning services. Private worship 3.1 Regular and frequent prayer is an essential part of Jewish daily life. Jews may pray whenever they wish, but for the devout there are three set occasions for prayer: morning, afternoon and evening. The head is covered during prayer with an ordinary hat or skullcap (yarmulke or kippah). In the morning a prayer shawl (talith) is worn and on weekdays phylacteries (tefillin) may be worn. The tefillin are black leather boxes containing four passages of scripture, which are strapped to the forehead and left upper arm. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6. v.4.6) is recited morning and evening. The Orthodox Jew may continue to cover his head throughout the day as a sign of reverence to God. Married women cover their heads at prayer.
3.2 Private worship is possible for prisoners in cells or rooms within the normal establishment routine. The strict requirements of the Jewish faith can be met by allowing the wearing of phylacteries for morning prayers (lasting some 30 minutes). Some male Jewish prisoners will also wish to wear a small cap (yarmulke or kippah) and prayer shawl (talith) during morning prayers. Prisoners may wish to keep some or all of these items in possession. (See paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 for full list of items in possession.) RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS 4.1 There are a number of religious festivals found within the Torah that are observed within Judaism following similar practices as for the Sabbath. All begin at sunset of the previous day and end at nightfall the following day(s).
The Jewish calendar is lunar, but to keep in step with the Gregorian calendar, leap months are intercalated (ie inserted) at regular intervals since the festivals are tied to the agricultural seasons. Observant Jews do not work on the major Jewish festivals, but rather, worship together on these days. Jewish prisoners must not be required to work on major festivals. There may also be some minor restrictions on working during the minor festivals, (see paragraphs 4.13 – 4.15). Details of these and all other religious festivals are published annually in a PSI. 4.4 Operational staff in prisons need to be aware that Orthodox Jewish prisoners will have religious objections to travelling on the Sabbath and on festival days. Where possible, staff need to be sensitive to this unless there are overriding operational reasons.
This is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar: a day of fasting, devoted to prayer and worship, seeking atonement (ie 'at one' with God) from God for past sins. The Jewish date is 10th Tishri. 4.7 Jewish prisoners who wish to observe the fast must be given a substantial meal not less than one hour before sunset on the eve of the fast and a further substantial meal when it ends at nightfall the following day.
4.8 This occurs five days after Yom Kippur. It is primarily a Harvest Festival, but linked with the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt. For the period of the festival, Jews live in a little shack or booth (sukkah) covered with branches and remember the time that their Israelite ancestors wandered through the wilderness after the exodus protected only by the mercy of God. The Jewish date is 15th to 23rd Tishri. Where a Jewish prisoner requests the use of a Sukkah, this should be discussed with the Jewish Chaplain and Governor. (Further advice is also available from the Jewish Visitation Committee -see para 1.2 for contact details.) Rejoicing of the Torah (Simchat Torah) (September/October) 4.9 Tabernacles concludes with the festival of Shemini Atzeret on 22nd Tishri and Simchat Torah on 23rd Tishri. Simchat Torah is a particularly joyous occasion with special appeal to children. It commemorates the conclusion of the reading of the Torah in the Synagogue.
4.10 Pesach is the Festival of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, also known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, remembering the period when in their haste to leave Egypt they only had time to make bread without yeast. The staple food eaten during Passover is unleavened bread (matzah). On the first two nights a ritual ceremony (Seder) is held, a tradition maintained even among Jews who do not keep up with other Jewish traditions. Orthodox Jews will possess a completely separate set of kitchen and tableware for Passover. The Jewish date is 15th to 22nd Nisan. 4.11 For Passover, the first two and last two days are full festival days on which Jews do not work; on the intermediate days, however, most Jews would normally work. Pentecost (Shavuot) (May/June)
4.12 This is celebrated seven weeks after Passover and lasts 2 days. It is known as the Festival of Weeks because it is held seven weeks after Passover and commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. It used to be associated with the harvests of Israel when people brought to the Temple the first crops of barley, wheat and fruit. Most synagogues today are still decorated with flowers and plants in thanksgiving to God. The Jewish date is 6th and 7th Sivan. MINOR FESTIVALS
4.13 This is a minor festival commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over Antiochus of Syria in the 2nd Century BC in preservation of their faith and lasts for eight days. On each night an extra candle is lit in the eight-branched candelabrum (menorah) until all eight candles are burning. The Jewish date is 25th Kislev. Where the Jewish Chaplain or another member of staff is present, Chanukah candles may be kindled (lit) in the Chapel or multi faith room. Feast of Esther (or lots) (Purim)
4.14 This carnival-like festival commemorates how the Jews of the Persian Empire were saved from the villainous Haman as recounted in the Book of Esther. It is a joyful festival with parties, presents to the poor and fancy- dress parades. The Jewish date is 14th Adar. The Jewish Chaplain may wish to attend to read the Megilah; this involves bringing in a parchment scroll of the Book of Esther and chanting it aloud to the prisoners. Some prisoners would read it themselves. This takes about 30 – 40 minutes. Tishah B'Av
4.15 This is a fasting day, and tragic day of mourning commemorating the destruction of the Temple in 586 BC and again in 70 AD. The Jewish date is 9th Av. Orthodox prisoners may wish to fast for a period of 25 hours starting the night before.
For full details, see PSO 5000 (Catering). Food eaten by Orthodox Jews is determined by strict adherence to the Jewish dietary laws. Some Jews will observe the dietary requirements only partially or reject them completely, as in the case of some Reform Jews, although many will tend to eat kosher- style food developed from traditional cuisine.
5.2 A Jewish prisoner who satisfies the Jewish Chaplain (or obtains such confirmation from their “home” Rabbi) that they have a sincere desire to adhere to the Jewish faith and to follow Jewish dietary laws, shall be provided with one pre-packed frozen kosher meal per day. The rest of the diet shall be vegetarian. Any prisoner satisfying the Rabbi and Governor that they cannot partake of vegetarian food may be provided with a second pre-packed kosher main meal each day. When facilities for kosher requirements are not available for Jewish prisoners who wish to observe the dietary regulations, (eg on reception) a vegetarian diet must be provided. 5.3 Jewish prisoners at Passover receive supplementary foods to be supplied by arrangement with the Jewish Chaplain. A list of foods (kosher, where relevant) which must be supplied to Jewish prisoners during Passover has been agreed with the Jewish Visitation Committee. This comprises:
Matzos 5 cartons Soft margarine 500 grams Soup in a cup 8 Cheese portions 300 grams Jam 1 large jar (250 grams) Fresh fruit x 2 Salad Tea, Coffee, sugar etc Eggs, fresh fruit and salad must be provided daily by the prison kitchen. Dress and hygiene 6.1 Orthodox Jews will, and non-Orthodox Jews may, wish to wear skull caps (kippah) and prayer shawls for private and corporate worship. Some of each group may wish to wear the cap at all times. Some Jewish male prisoners may wish to wear the tzitzit, a four cornered garment with wool fringes attached. 6.2 Jewish dress varies greatly. Some men often have their heads covered and some married women cover their hair.
6.3 Some Jews (especially Orthodox) observe hand washing rituals on rising and before meals. Normal prison facilities are adequate to fulfil these requirements Religious books and artefacts in possession
7.1 Jewish prisoners may wish to have in possession some or all of the following items and this should be permitted: A copy of the Torah and a Prayer Book (Siddur); Prayer cap (yarmulke or kippah) Prayer Shawl (talith) Tephillin (Phylacteries): two strap-on leather boxes enclosing parchment sections of the scriptures, which are worn by male orthodox Jews on the forehead and arm. Tzitzit (four cornered garment with wool fringes attached). 7.2 Copies of the Holy Scriptures (according to the Masoretic Text) and the Authorised Daily Prayer Book are available from the local Chaplaincy team for Jewish prisoners' use. The Pentateuch and Haftorahs are also available. Orthodox Jewish prisoners Strictly Orthodox Jewish prisoners may have certain specific needs and requirements that can best be met through the services of an Orthodox Jewish Chaplain. Requests for an Orthodox Chaplain should also be made via the Jewish Visitation Committee (contact details in paragraph 1.2). The Visitation Committee may draw in particular on the services of the Society for the Welfare of Jewish prisoners (SWJP) which has a long history of involvement with orthodox and ultra orthodox Jewish prisoners. Only a very small number of prisoners will fall into this category. The Society provides its services at no charge to establishments. The Rabbis who visit on behalf of the Society or who are otherwise endorsed to visit Orthodox prisoners are: Rabbi Kurt Stern Rabbi Malcolm Vennitt Rabbi Israel Moskovitz Rabbi David Saurymper
10.1 There are no special rites for a dying person. However a prisoner of the Jewish faith should not die alone. The Jewish Chaplain should be asked to attend, (if this is not possible, any practising Jew is acceptable) so that the dying person may recite the appropriate prayers. 10.2 In accordance with religious practice, delay in burial is prohibited, and subject to the Coroner’s permission (see chapter 8 of PSO 2710 – Follow-up to Deaths in custody) arrangements for burial should be made immediately after death occurs. The prisoner's family and the Jewish Chaplain should be consulted concerning preparation for burial. Orthodox Jews are always buried in a Jewish cemetery. Non-Orthodox Jews are normally buried. Reform Judaism does not object to cremation. Unless accompanying officers themselves are Jewish, they will not be expected to take any part in the service. After the funeral, special mourning rites are observed by the bereaved, ie children, spouse, brothers and sisters. These last for seven days and take place at home, often where the deceased used to live. Annex E (ii)
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