Did you know that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in prisons in the U.S.? Yet, this large community of incarcerated Muslims is often forgotten and neglected. Listen to an inspirational talk about how this group struggles behind bars to keep their faith and how you can help by donating items, visiting, and offering solace to these sisters and brothers. Join us to learn more and how to get involved!
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, August 23 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch online at mcceastbay.org/live
Ustadh Jesse will also deliver the 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. sermons at MCC East Bay on Friday, Aug. 23.
Link Outside is a Muslim prison outreach organization that has been transforming lives across the United States since 2010. It provides spiritual, moral, and educational support to incarcerated men and women in North America.
About Ustadh Jesse
Ustadh Jesse Maroney’s journey to Islam began during a nine-year prison sentence, during which time he embraced a faith that would transform his life. Upon his release, he delved into Islamic studies and emerged as a dynamic public speaker dedicated to uplifting the underserved and challenging societal stigmas.
Jesse’s influence is substantial. He has 12 years of experience teaching in both the free community and American penal institutions. He deepened his knowledge through the guidance and works of Shaykh Faisal Hamid Abdur Razak and Shaykh Al-Yacoubi. Additionally, he earned an Islamic Studies certificate from Shaykh Mustafa Umar at California Islamic University.
Today, Ustadh Jesse is a prominent Islamic lecturer, delivering Friday sermons (khutbah) at various Islamic centers across Southern California. He is also the in-house imam at Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab in downtown Los Angeles. From 2017-19, he taught Islamic studies in California state prisons, where his classes were recognized for offering credit towards reducing inmates’ sentences.
Jesse Maroney’s dedication and expertise continue to inspire and educate, profoundly impacting the communities he serves.
- – More talks about prison support: http://mcceastbay.org/incarcerated
- – More topics addressing community & social justice issues: http://mcceastbay.org/community
- – How MCC supports prisoners in California: http://mcceastbay.org/prison
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
What happens when faith lacks guidance?
This question takes on a life-changing significance in the harsh world of incarceration.
For Jesse Maroney, the answer came during a decade behind bars in Danbury, Connecticut.
Jesse faced more than just the routine challenges of prison life every morning in his cell.
He would wake up with questions about his faith, yearning for authentic learning, but there were no knowledgeable individuals to turn to.
The few Islamic books available were often outdated or incomplete, leaving Jesse and others like him to piece together their understanding from fragmented sources.
The turning point in Jesse‘s incarceration came when he received educational materials and letters from respected scholars and community members.
These materials were more than just books and CDs; they were lifelines.
They offered Jesse a chance to understand his faith accurately and profoundly, fostering a sense of hope and belonging that had been missing for so long.