CAIR-NJ Sends Memoranda to NJ Prisons and Jails in Preparation for Ramadan
(NEWARK, NJ — 2/12/2026) — The New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, prepared for Ramadan by sending brief memoranda to each county jail and state prison in New Jersey outlining key aspects of Ramadan observance.
Each year, this memo serves as a resource for correctional staff and offers CAIR-NJ as a partner when addressing questions related to Ramadan and other religious accommodations. This memo includes educational resources and religious materials to chaplaincy departments and chapel libraries. In the past, it has sparked valuable conversations and points of discussion over understanding the implementation of prayer and fasting times, and halal meals.
SEE: “CAIR-NJ Ramadan 2026 Accommodations Memorandum”
This memorandum is meant to serve as a proactive advisory to assist facilities in planning for Ramadan 2026, which is expected to begin on, or around, the evening of February 18th, and conclude on, or around, March 19th, 2026.
CAIR offers an educational toolkit, called “A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help correctional officers and administrators gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims.
SEE: A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Staff Attorney Ramin Zareian said:
“Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and correctional facilities have a clear legal obligation to accommodate the sincerely held religious practices of those in their custody. By sending this memo, we are not only affirming our commitment to the Muslim community, but also proactively ensuring that jails and prisons understand their constitutional and statutory duties to provide meaningful Ramadan accommodations.”
Ramadan is of limited duration, and delayed accommodations are often denied due to timing. CAIR-NJ is committed to advocating for the religious rights and accommodations of Muslims incarcerated in New Jersey and stands ready to serve as a partner in that effort.
CAIR-NJ strongly encourages facilities to plan to include Ramadan related procedures and communicate Ramadan related procedures to staff and incarcerated individuals well before the start of the month. CAIR-NJ also encourages correctional facilities to host special “iftar” dinners and recognition of Eid ul-Fitr according to their capacity.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT:CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414
