ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author observes the experiences of adult and young Muslim male prisoners, as well as those of some female Muslim prisoners. He focuses on some issues that are linked to the impact that prison has on their emotional and psychological state. Religion, indeed, provides prisoners with some psychological, cognitive and social capital with which to face the difficulties of everyday life behind bars. For instance, a Roman Catholic who committed murder may be reminded that homicide is a capital sin, or a Muslim prisoner may be reminded by an imam about the afterlife punishment known as the ‘torment of the grave’ and thereafter live in continuous fear of it. The two festivities of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, linked to Ramadan and the Hajj, respectively, are very much anticipated by Muslim prisoners because in many prisons visitors will be allowed to bring in special food and longer association hours will be provided.
