Photo By Sgt. Ryan Hallock | Detainees join together for noon prayer during the ninth and holiest month of the...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Detainees roll out their prayer rugs on the fifth day of the holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar at the camps of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. They read from the Quran together and prepare for their noon prayer. The atmosphere is peaceful and the Camp 5 officer in charge attributes the calm and quiet environment to the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan began July 20 and continues until the evening of Aug. 18. Muslims around the world spend the month fasting each day from dawn to sunset.
“It’s definitely changed the dynamic within the camp,” said the Camp 5 OIC. “The detainees have been getting used to all the changes and the guards have too.”
The detainees’ normal routines adjust to the teachings of the Quran during the month of Ramadan, which affects camp operations. Their sleep patterns change. Their eating habits change. Their outlook also changes.
“During the month of Ramadan, they tend not to be angry; they tend not to be aggressive,” said Zak, JTF-Guantanamo strategic cultural consultant. “They understand their fate; they know they’re here in Guantanamo. They know it’s not our fault they’re still here.”
During Ramadan the JTF prepares and serves culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate meals that are traditionally eaten during the holiday. The guard force provides them at an adjusted schedule.
“Instead of the usual breakfast, lunch, dinner rotation, we shifted the meal schedule around to accommodate their cultural preferences,” said the Camp 5 OIC.
Muslims eat their pre-fast meal called Suhoor each day before dawn. Lamb kebob and lamb gyro, among other traditional foods, are served to the detainees.
“Ramadan is a month that is very important; it prepares you for the rest of the year,” said Zak. “Fasting in any religion has the same purpose: it teaches you discipline; it teaches you patience.”
Not all detainees participate in Ramadan. Some are exempt due to health concerns and others simply choose not to. The detainees have the choice of practicing or not, and the guard force is trained to accommodate their needs and preferences.
“Even though most of the detainees are fasting, those who are not, we still offer them a lunch meal during the normal lunch hour,” said the Camp 5 OIC.
Muslims break their fast at sundown with a meal known as Iftar. Dates and honey are eaten first to break their fast, which is what is traditionally eaten at sundown along with pita bread.
“Nothing goes through the mouth or the blood system during the daytime hours, which makes us change our procedures in the camps,” said Zak. “The day shift will be quiet, and the night shift will be busier because the detainees will be more active.”
The procedural changes, which break up the structured routine of the camps, are planned well in advance to mitigate any mistakes. The major obstacle that stands in the way of excellence is the frequent personnel changes, said the Camp 5 OIC.
“We’re always good at what we do, but reaching that next level can sometimes be a challenge due to the large amount of turnover within the guard force,” said the Camp 5 OIC.
The guards’ understanding of Ramadan and the Muslim culture has increased significantly due to Zak’s guidance and the cultural awareness trainings and briefings the guard force receives.
“If we don’t respect each other or have patience with each other, we fail,” said Zak. “They see us at our best; we see them at their best.”
During Ramadan, detainees recite 1/30 of the Quran each day and can pray together during recreational time.
Zak continues to ensure each year that cultural sensitivities are impressed upon the guard force. Each guard carries a Ramadan information card as a quick reference guide containing facts about the month. The back of the card contains “do’s and don’ts” to include, “DO remain sensitive to Islamic practices during the month of Ramadan” and “DON’T eat, drink, dip, or chew gum in front of participating detainees.”
While it’s an extremely important part of the year for Muslims observing Ramadan, every day at JTF Guantanamo is extremely important. The guard force is trained and ready to continue to succeed at the mission.
“We’re sticking to the standard,” said the Camp 5 OIC. “We’re following the standard operating procedures and conducting our day-to-day operations the way we always do. I think my guard force has done a great job. They always rise to any challenge that’s presented to us on a day-to-day basis with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.”
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2012 09:46 |
| Story ID: | 92427 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 371 |
| Downloads: | 6 |
This work, Ramadan at Guantanamo, by SGT Ryan Hallock, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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