BMN's Eid Gift and Letter Writing Campaign for Incarcerated Muslim Women (Eid al-Adha 2025)

Organized by Black Muslims Now (BMN)

We are raising $7,500 to send 150 spiritually nurturing Eid al-Adha gift boxes to incarcerated Muslim women in two New York State correctional facilities. These women—often isolated, forgotten, and disconnected from faith—deserve to feel the mercy, joy, and love of Eid.

This project is part of our ongoing commitment to serve the most marginalized members of our community.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

Black Muslims Now is preparing Eid gift boxes that include items women themselves have requested or urgently need. Each box will be carefully assembled by volunteers during our Volunteer Day of Care—a communal event where we will package the items and write personal letters of encouragement to our sisters inside.

We hope for each gift box to include:

A prison-compliant Qur’an
A prayer rug (proper size and color)
A prison-approved hijab (in compliant colors and styles)
A set of prayer beads (all black, 99)
Beautiful handwritten letters from the community
Postage, packaging, and care materials

All items are approved by the Department of Corrections and meet prison guidelines.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Over 10% of the U.S. prison population is Muslim—a staggering overrepresentation. And yet, it’s a silent crisis.

Women’s incarceration has increased by over 585% since 1980, and Black women are the fastest growing group. Many are mothers, caregivers, and community pillars—cut off from their families and from spiritual support behind bars.

Incarcerated Muslim women face unique challenges within the prison system, encompassing both religious and gender-specific hardships:

RELIGIOUS ISOLATION

Hijab: Women may face restrictions or harassment for wearing it.
Prayer: Limited access to prayer space and time.
Ramadan: Inadequate accommodations for fasting and iftar.
Religious materials: Qur’ans and Islamic books are hard to come by.

LACK OF COMMUNITY

Men’s prisons often have Muslim chaplains and support networks.
Women’s prisons typically do not—leaving many Muslim women spiritually adrift.

CHAPLAINCY ISSUES

Chaplains are often not culturally or religiously competent.
Some actively discourage Islamic practice or fail to accommodate needs.
Women report no support or access to Jummah, halaqas, or basic supplies.

DISCRIMINATION AND BULLYING

Muslim women are bullied for their faith—by both staff and fellow incarcerated people.

DISTANCE AND DISCONNECTION

Over 60% of incarcerated women are placed far from home, making visits rare and deepening feelings of isolation.
Muslim women often feel completely disconnected from Islam and the ummah.

This campaign was created based on direct feedback from women inside, chaplain insight, reentry partners, and legislative staff. It is a response to an urgent spiritual, emotional, and communal need—a way of saying to our sisters behind bars: You are not forgotten.

OUR GOAL

We’re raising $7,500 to cover:

Gift box contents
Packaging materials (boxes, cards, tissue paper)
Volunteer Day event supplies
Postage & delivery to facilities

These are not mere items but they are TOOLS for spiritual survival, dignity, and restoration.

JOIN US

This Eid al-Adha, let’s show up for our sisters with sincerity, love, and action. Your donation ensures that 150 women—who may receive nothing else this Eid—feel spiritually nourished and remembered.

Support this project. Share this campaign. Make du’a.

WHO WE ARE

Black Muslims Now is a grassroots organization committed to creating culturally and spiritually affirming spaces for Black Muslims. Our work centers care, connection, and visibility for the most marginalized in our communities.

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THIS EID COUNT

In a system that works to erase their presence, you can help us make sure they are seen, supported, and spiritually nourished.

Let’s make a difference this Eid.

These are not just items — they are tools for spiritual survival, dignity, and restoration.

Support this project. Share this campaign. Make du’a. Volunteer to pack a box and write a letter.

Jazak'Allah khair!

BMN's Eid Gift & Letter Writing Project for Incarcerated Muslim Women

By Sahr Ali of Black Muslims Now

BMN's Eid Gift & Letter Writing Project for Incarcerated Muslim Women

Helping to promote joy, spiritual restoration, & dignity