We begin in the name of Allah (God), the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, in hopes of receiving His mercy and acceptance. All praise is for Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and everything in between them, seen and unseen. We ask Allah to send His salutations, peace, and blessings on the final prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, who was sent as the last messenger in the continuum of those sent to remind humankind of our purpose. The Nejma Collective work from the belief that the criminal justice system is not ‘just’. Prisons and policing have been methods of controlling and disciplining poor and working-class people for decades, and in the UK particularly, tools to repress and monitor Black and brown people who threatened systems of oppression since European colonialism. Muslims are disproportionately incarcerated in the UK, making up 18% of the prison population but only 6% of the overall population. Through assisting those in prison we intend therefore intend both to help our siblings in Islam; but also to help those who may not be Muslim by embodying the Prophetic way of being a mercy to all of creation. Donating money to those who need it, as we know, protects us in the hereafter and increases what Allah gives us. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi). And “Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). We are committed to not turning away anyone who asks us for help - regardless of their faith. With every donation we receive, we can support another one of our siblings who have reached out for help. Often people apply to use seeking simply clothes that fit them, to buy phone credit to speak to loved ones, food that's nutritious and satiating, as well as religious articles such as prayer mats and books. The maximum amount we send to people in prison is £65. You can donate the full amount or part of it through our donation page. We also have a prison-leaver grant of £130 which supports people who have recently left prison in getting back on their feet by contributing towards their rent, food, or just a winter coat etc. You're welcome to donate as many of these grants as you want, on a monthly, annual or one-off basis. May Allah accept all that you give and increase you through it. Know that it genuinely impacts people harmed by the carceral system in a direct and meaningful way. |
Nejma Collective Grants