Sisters for Sisters MUSLIMS IN ACTION
Ameena Shehab takes her past experience to serves others. BY SHAKEEL SYED
CHAPLAINCY Shehab said she received an accidental phone call from one of the only two Muslim woman inmates at the Dayton Correctional Facility, asking for help to provide Quran, hijabs and Friday congregational service. In June 2013, she started volunteering and in 13 months helped increase the Muslim inmate population to 32. Shehab said they had four new converts during this past Ramadan. Shehab successfully advocated for the institution of Friday prayers, distribution of Quran and other Islamic educational materials and hijabs. As the first paid contractor chaplain for the institution, she provides 10 hours per week of services. She also teaches two classes, Islam101 and another a bit advanced. She purchases all materials from her own resources and some small donations. The Dayton Correctional Facility is a state-owned and operated women-only prison with a population of 928 inmates, of which 32 are now Muslims. Shehab said initially prison authorities did not trust Muslims and were discriminatory toward Muslim inmates and Muslim volunteers. They were giving one hour per week to Muslims compared to 86 hours per week for Christian services. The facility’s library had no Islamic material, but now they have allowed a couple of bookshelves. She said the institution is under review by the Department of Justice for “unethical” behavior toward female inmates.
THE FAITH AND NEEDS
A
meena Shehab reverted to Islam four years ago. Instead of lamenting her past, Shehab has not only rebuilt her life but also is helping others better their lives. Shehab, who did her undergraduate in criminal justice, is working on a master’s degree in social work. The hijab-clad social worker, now a mother of a 19-month-old daughter, said she practices Islam to its core. Originally from Arlington, Texas, she now lives in Cincin26
nati. She met a Muslim small business owner online and married and moved to Cincinnati. “Through Islam, everything is possible,” Shehab said.
Shehab said inmates are attracted to Islam by its simplicity, solidarity through brotherhood/sisterhood, its equity and equality, consistent education and spiritual study, and Friday services. The result has been near total transformation from angry and anxious to mild-mannered Muslims who are content, calm and hopeful for a better tomorrow — more optimistic than pessimistic. She said some new Muslims have become better inviters to the faith than her. Shehab said the common needs and concerns of the inmates are fighting for equal religious rights, and seeking human dignity and not a mere number. The inmates’ needs are hijabs, copies of the Quran, prayer rugs, and prayer services. They need to secure basic Islamic educational programs. “I treat them as my sister-in-faith and
ISLAMIC HORIZONS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014