Islamic foundation brings dates to inmates during Ramadan

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — After fasting from sunrise to sunset, the first bite that many Muslims take during Ramadan is traditionally a Medjool date.

It’s sweet, nourishing and specific to the Islamic religion.

Lincoln is home to over 10,000 Muslims, and that has led to the development of many mosques, such as the one at the Islamic Foundation of Lincoln.

During Ramadan, the mosque can accommodate up to 1,000 people.

Leaders of that mosque say they can see up to 1,000 visitors a day during the month of Ramadan.

Rebeen Kareem is the group’s treasurer and says it’s important to help others during this time, as they abstain from food and water.

“It’s a very blessed month in the Islamic faith, where people do more charity, pray more. If you help break the fast of another Muslim during this month, you will get double the reward,” says Kareem.

But for Muslims behind bars, this time of year hasn’t been easy to celebrate until 2018, when the Islamic Foundation of Lincoln launched an initiative to bring dates to inmates.

“A lot of times, these inmates, these brothers in jail would struggle with their religion, so some people may choose not to fast,” said Soleiman Espinoza.

Espinoza joined the Islamic faith four years ago and has been helping inmates practice their faith through the program.

“It was led by the desire to help any Muslims break their fast in the traditional way,” he said.

The use of dates to break a fast is taught in the Quran, the holy text within Islam.

“We were able to organize 300 boxes to deliver to facilities in Lincoln, Tecumseh, McCook, and York,” said Espinoza.

Thanks to their volunteers and donors, the group has reached nearly 300 inmates with their mission.

“We just want to make sure the community is aware that there is a need for Muslims in this difficult position and we want them to be able to freely practice their religion.”

Each inmate getting three dates to break their fast, each day of Ramadan which can vary from 29-30 days long.

The mosque uses the best ones they can find, organic medjool dates, which can sometimes cost up to ten dollars for a box.

If you are interested in learning more about how the group celebrates Ramadan, you can visit their website here.