Community as sanctuary: Reentry experiences of formerly incarcerated Muslims

Abstract

This ethnographic study explores the experiences of formerly incarcerated Muslims returning to a small city in upstate New York, highlighting their journey of navigating profound habitus changes, lingering disciplinary behaviors from prison, and the welcoming embrace of local faith communities. Drawing on six months of participant observation and interviews with Imams, chaplains, and congregants at a local masjid, the research identifies four core themes. First, chaplains serve as crucial “liminal figures,” bridging highly structured prison life and less regulated community contexts. Second, while institutional routines like “count time” reflexes persist, they represent a starting point from which new habits are formed. Third, the shift from carceral routines to unstructured social environments presents an opportunity for growth and adaptation, supported by the faith community. Finally, Imams and the mosque community play a pivotal role in this transition, providing spiritual guidance, practical resources, and a powerful sense of belonging that fosters successful reintegration. Integrating multiple theoretical frameworks, this study highlights the promise of holistic, culturally sensitive reentry initiatives that empower returning citizens by addressing both material needs and the profound psychological journey of post-incarceration life.