Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah Police’s Punitive and Correctional Institution revealed that 16 inmates converted to Islam over the past nine months, in co-operation with the Call and Guidance Center in Dubai.

Colonel Abdullah Rashid Alai Al Naqbi, Acting Director of Punitive and Correctional Institution, stated that the institution constantly seeks to provide a correctional environment based on the principles of care and guidance.

These efforts come as part of the institution's role in rehabilitating inmates psychologically and socially, irrespective of their religions or beliefs, thereby contributing to strengthening the values of tolerance and cultural and religious understanding, he said.

The main goal is to reintegrate inmates into society in a positive way after the end of their sentence, he added, noting that this would help them restore their normal lives in an effective and constructive manner.

He pointed out that this approach contributes to correcting the behaviour of inmates, reducing the rates of recidivism and building a better future for themselves and the society.

Meanwhile, the inmates expressed that their deeper knowledge of the essence of Islamic religion and its values that call for love, mercy and tolerance, over and above the good treatment and attention they experienced from the officials, were among the main reasons that prompted them to embrace Islam.

The religious lectures given by dedicated imams also contributed to enhancing their understanding of the teachings of Islam and prompted them to declare their conversion to Islam, they said.