DFW Prison Dawah Retreat 2024 Recap

Assalamualaikum,

Esteemed Members and Leaders of our Community,

Alhumulillah, we are delighted to announce the successful organization of the inaugural DFW Prison Dawah Retreat 2024, held from January 26th to 28th at the Bridgeport Correctional Center. The retreat drew a diverse group of 70 inmates, with 30 among them being Muslims. Additionally, we had 24 registered volunteers participating in various shifts throughout the program. Our lineup featured 8 esteemed speakers, including the Friday khateeb, who captivated the audience with their compelling topics and addressed numerous pressing questions. To accommodate Spanish-speaking attendees, we provided Spanish translation services. A Qaria sister delivered a profoundly moving Quran recitation on Saturday, soothing hearts with her beautiful recitation. Moreover, we ensured that attendees were provided with light breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee throughout the duration of the retreat.

Allow us to present some inspirational insights and notable highlights gleaned from our meaningful interactions with the inmates during this retreat.

Alhumdulillah, by the end of this retreat, three inmates embraced Islam. Two of them had previous exposure to Islam from their time in another prison. They had contemplated Islam and conducted passive research but remained on the sidelines due to lingering unanswered questions. This retreat provided the opportunity for them to take the next step in accepting Islam. Their decision to embrace Islam was primarily influenced by the speakers who took the time to address their long-standing inquiries. While the answers may not have aligned with their expectations, they appreciated the speakers' transparency in their responses.

Brother Rasheed, serving as the Muslim Inmate Program Coordinator, devoted himself to ensuring the smooth operation of the program in all aspects, including seating arrangements, food service, and audience engagement. His primary motivation was to ensure that Islam was represented positively before the non-Muslim audience. Brother Rasheed, a young Muslim convert who embraced Islam six years ago while incarcerated, has never had the opportunity to meet Muslims outside the prison system. He led all the prayers with dedication. One of the most noteworthy aspects was his thorough explanation of the fiqh of Sajda Sahw after the Sunday Asr prayer, educating those behind him on its correct implementation. On Saturday, he facilitated the shahadah for an inmate embracing Islam, with Brother Baquee Sabur witnessing the event. Upon release, Brother Rasheed hopes to return home to Dallas, where he can be close to his 13-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, aiming to reestablish a stronger connection with them. He wishes to let them judge the difference between witnessing a Muslim father and the previous non-Muslim version of himself as a dad.

Also present was Brother Talib (Daniel), a young Hispanic convert who embraced Islam ten years ago while in prison and has yet to encounter Muslims outside. He displayed deep concern for the faith of his non-Muslim family members, particularly his mother, who occasionally visits him. He passionately recounted a Hadith from Sahih Muslim about the last person to enter Paradise, illustrating Allah's mercy as the Angels are instructed to retrieve the final individual from the Hellfire. Brother Talib expressed his desire, upon release, to relocate to Houston, where he intends to become actively involved with the Hispanic Muslim community due to the presence of an established mosque and community there.

We also encountered John and Duke, who were Caucasian non-Muslim inmates seated among the group, eagerly absorbing information with curiosity and discerning connections between Islam and Christianity. Their faces reflected awe as they learned about the deep reverence Muslims hold for the Virgin Mary. They expressed happiness and gratitude for our presence there. 

Major Guidrey from the Bridgeport Correctional Center attended the Saturday afternoon session with curiosity, remaining engaged throughout. He found the session informative and believed it played a crucial role in dispelling some of his misconceptions about Islam.

This was just a glimpse of the impact achieved through our modest efforts.. Alhumdulillah!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed speakers for graciously dedicating their time amidst their busy schedules to participate in this retreat. A special acknowledgment goes to Sh. Gyasi McKinzie, Sh. Salah Mahmoud, Sh. Hasan Khalil, Imam Omar Shakir, Ustadh Said Tbaini, Ustadh Ekram Haque, Ustadh Omar Malik, and Brother Michael Ellington.

We also express our gratitude to all the mosques and organizations in the DFW area that have provided us with invaluable moral, financial, and resource support. Specifically, we would like to thank Falah Academy, Huma-Faith, Islamic Center of Frisco, Islamic Association of Allen, Sachse Muslim Society, McKinney Islamic Center, East Plano Islamic Center, Muslim Alliance for Black Lives, Islamic Association of North Texas, Islam in Spanish, Islamic Center of Coppell, Valley Ranch Islamic Center, and ICNA Relief.

Additionally, we acknowledge Chaplain David Rentz for his unwavering support, guidance, and motivation in making this retreat possible. Lastly, we express our sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who came together and worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition.

Sincerely,

Baquee Sabur; Founder/Chaplain, CAO, BCC (Huma-Faith)