Jackson v. Commissioner of Correction

Anthony Jackson, a State prisoner in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (department) and a practicing Muslim, brought suit against various department officials as well as against Awwal Abdur Raheem (Raheem), a Muslim chaplain employed by the department. *128Jackson’s complaint, in essence, is as follows. He asserts that, as a Muslim, he must adhere to the mandates of the Koran which require attendance at Friday afternoon congregate religious services (Jumu’ah services) led by an Imam or Muslim religious leader. Jackson alleges that Imam Raheem, who was hired by the…