Meeting with Muslims of Zhitomir Corrective Colony No4

On August, 10th, representatives of the AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah", Sheikh Imad Abu-al-Rubb, Mufti Said Ismagilov, and Igor Karpishen visited the Muslims who are prisoners of the Zhitomir corrective colony No4. At the present time it contains Muslims of the Arabian, Turkish, Pakistan and Iranian origin.

Similar visits to correctional colonies are carried out for several years. Also regular correspondence with prisoners of some colonies on the purpose of supporting them, expanding their knowledge and understanding of religion, and also supplying them with the necessary religious literature is conducted.

In the Holy Month of Ramadan it is necessary to be more attentive to associates than ever before. It is especially required by those of us who, having made in the past any wrongdoing - repented and sincerely aspire to corrected oneself and deserve a pardon of the Lord, after all, “Allah accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy: For Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” (The Holy Quran, 4:17). After all to correct oneself and to improve one's manners would be extremely difficult if the society turns away from them.

Many of the Muslim prisoners pray and observe the fast that was noted by Pavel Leonidovich Movchan, the deputy head of the colony. He stated his admiration and approval that these people search for their way to the Almighty even in the conditions of the prison. Therefore the administration met the requirements of the fasting; the day ration of such prisoners is postponed for them till the evening.

During the visit, Sheikh Imad Abu-al-Rubb lectured about clemency and advantages of the Holy Month of Ramadan; and also about worship, performance of good deeds and purification of thoughts as means of approach of the man to the Almighty. The theme of favour of God and His pardon was disclosed separately, after all, "… if the thief repents after his crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful" (The Holy Quran, 5:39), " Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy)" (The Holy Quran, 110:3). It gave hope to the gathered that if they will be consecutive in their repentance and will aspire to come closer to the Almighty - they can change their life in this world and deserve enviable destiny in the Hereafter.

After the lecture there were held some talks in the course of which were discussed actual for the gathered rehabilitation questions.

The majority of the Muslim prisoners with pleasure took advantage of this possibility and came on the meeting. They had an opportunity to expand their knowledge of religion and to ask questions which interested them; to discuss complexities and unclear issues for them.

Each of them also received a gift: the Quran, skullcap, means of personal hygiene, and also tea and sweets for iftar. Some of the come asked to hand letters to their families; or to assist their children from the Muslim community.

The AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah" express gratitude to administration of the Zhitomir corrective colony No4 for the organization of the meeting with the Muslim prisoners in the Holy Month of Ramadan; and also for creation for Muslims of favorable conditions for prayer, fasting and the Quran reading. May the Almighty bless them!

Special correspondent.