Report by Brother Ali Salahu-Din Muhammad
By the grace of Almighty God Allah, the Nation of Islam successfully reestablished its Prison Reform Ministry at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex on June 24 after nearly three years since the institution’s last visit by Brother Abdullah Muhammad, Student National Prison Reform Minister of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.
The June visit included Student Minister Chad Muhammad of Mosque No. 47 in Tampa, and Student Minister Ali S. Muhammad of the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry. Their mission was clear: to serve and encourage incarcerated brothers through the Life-Giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, as taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Coleman Federal Correction Complex is a federal prison complex for male inmates in unincorporated Sumter County, Florida, near Wildwood.
Since the last visit in 2024 by Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad, his presence had remained fresh in the memory of many of the incarcerated brothers. During interactions across multiple areas of the Coleman complex, several brothers independently asked about him—how he was doing, when he might return, and expressed sincere appreciation for the beauty and spirit of what he shared during that previous visit. Many voiced that they were praying for his well-being and hoping for his return to continue the uplifting work he, on behalf of Minister Farrakhan began among them. This sentiment was shared directly with Student Minister Ali during several of the engagements as the delegation moved from unit to unit throughout the facility.
The effort to return to Coleman required years of persistence through institutional procedures and administrative review. Progress came in March 2026 through the assistance of longtime Nation of Islam friend and Christian chaplain, Brother Henry Dale, who helped move the application process forward.
Unexpectedly, shortly before the visit, Chaplain Dale retired from the institution. Rather than allowing the process to end, communication continued, and by Allah’s Grace, Chaplain Juan Alba completed the process that had been initiated and helped secure final approval for the visit.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the institution’s mentor and program coordinator, Ms. Cote, whose professionalism helped facilitate a full day of ministry throughout the prison complex.
The schedule included sessions across the designated institutions within the Coleman complex, including USP I, Coleman Medium, Coleman Low, and Coleman Camp. A lockdown interrupted plans for USP II, requiring that session to be postponed for a future visit. By day’s end, 37 incarcerated brothers had been personally ministered to.
At Coleman Camp, one attendee who identified himself as agnostic participated actively in discussion and expressed agreement with the social reform principles presented, stating that the message carried value beyond religious background. The interaction demonstrated how principles rooted in justice, accountability, and human dignity can reach broadly.
The prison reform ministry remained grounded in scripture. The Bible states: “But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses …”—Isaiah 42:22
And: “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? … Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away.”—Isaiah 49:24–25
These verses continue to inspire the Nation of Islam’s prison reform work and reinforce the belief that those who are incarcerated are not forgotten by Almighty God Allah.
Following the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to become extensions of his love through service to the sick, the shut-in, and the incarcerated, the first session opened at USP with: “In the Name of Allah.”
Student Minister Ali began each session with the opening message from the Nation of Islam National webcast introduction by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. The message emphasized knowledge, re-education, retraining, and uplifting humanity through the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Those words established the tone throughout the day.
Approximately 70% of attendees identified as Christians, while others included members of the Nation of Islam, members of the Five Percent Nation, and participants who expressed appreciation for the Nation of Islam’s message of spiritual, moral, and social reform.
Student Minister Chad Muhammad delivered a deeply personal testimony in each session. Drawing from his own experience, he shared how he overcame adversity and circumstances that once led him into prison. He explained that through accepting and applying the discipline found in the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Allah transformed his life and enabled him to become a productive servant to his people and now a student minister at Mosque No. 47.
His testimony reflected Revelation 12:11 in the Bible which states: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony … .”
His sincerity resonated deeply with the incarcerated brothers, many of whom expressed appreciation for hearing directly from someone who had personally experienced incarceration and rebuilt his life through faith, discipline, and service.
During question-and-answer sessions, participants expressed gratitude for the Nation of Islam’s presence and repeatedly stated they could have listened throughout the day. Several asked about the health and well-being of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and shared their desire to contribute their own talents and abilities in support of the Nation of Islam.
There was also strong interest in receiving additional Nation of Islam materials, including books, newspapers, and study guides. Participants expressed appreciation for the materials distributed and remained engaged throughout each session. Many stated the day’s message renewed their hope and encouraged them to treat incarceration as a season of preparation rather than despair. Student Minister Chad encouraged each man to use his time to grow spiritually, mentally, morally, and educationally so that upon release he could return to his family and community as a positive and productive citizen.
Relationships were also established with incarcerated brothers who agreed to serve as future points of contact within the institutions. Muhammad’s Mosque No. 47 further supported the effort through distribution of reading materials, including The Final Call newspaper and “Message to the Blackman in America” by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
By Allah’s Grace, the visit reestablished meaningful relationships with the incarcerated and institutional staff and laid a foundation for continued prison ministry in the future.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our Student 7th Regional Prison Ministry Coordinator, Brother Zachariah Muhammad, whose tireless leadership continues to strengthen the prison reform ministry and the efforts of Student 7th Regional Minister Patrick Muhammad throughout the 7th Region of the Nation of Islam.
All praise is due to Almighty God Allah for granting this opportunity to serve His people.
As-Salaam Alaikum (Peace Be Unto You)
