Tariq’s Articles
A reflection on the brutal reality of solitary confinement, contrasting the freedom of childhood memories with the suffocating isolation of prison. It reveals how solitary inflicts deep psychological harm, often for minor infractions, while hope survives only through cherished memories of home.
This piece reflects on life in prison through the lens of faith, where even death brings fear—of being denied a proper burial and losing one’s final dignity. Amid the cruelty of confinement, the struggle is not just to survive each day, but to hold onto identity, faith, and hope.
Life sentences in New Jersey take a devastating toll on inmates and their families. Even those striving to improve themselves face decades of confinement with little hope of release, while systemic issues like racial disparities and harsh sentencing remain unaddressed.
Life as a Pakistani-American Muslim in a New Jersey prison after 9/11 brings constant scrutiny and prejudice. Even while participating in the prison’s Muslim community, Tariq MaQbool faces isolation and discrimination, struggling to reconcile his identity with a system that sees him as “other.”
Behind bars during COVID, Eid highlights the loss of family, tradition, and normalcy. Joyful childhood celebrations in Pakistan and the U.S. contrast with the simplified prison rituals, where connection and faith are preserved through the shared understanding of the Muslim community.
A prisoner suffers a life-threatening medical emergency in New Jersey State Prison, and the coordinated, tireless efforts of corrections officers and medical staff save him. The incident highlights the rare heroism that emerges behind bars through quick decision-making, teamwork, and selfless action in the face of danger.
Even while facing harsh treatment and suspicion as a Pakistani-American Muslim after 9/11, he finds moments of humanity in prison through the support of certain correctional officers, whose kindness and advocacy help protect him from the death penalty and preserve his dignity amid injustice.
Since New Jersey abolished the death penalty in 2007, some lawmakers have repeatedly attempted to reinstate it, citing outdated voter support and ignoring racial disparities in the prison system. While other states move toward criminal justice reform, New Jersey’s efforts to bring back capital punishment highlight a disconnect between legislative actions and calls for fairness and equity in sentencing.
“Retributivist”
Coming Soon
A tender childhood memory of stargazing with his aunt becomes a lifelong bond with the night sky. Even now, from behind prison walls, the stars remain a source of comfort, faith, and hope—reminders of love, loss, and God’s mercy shining through the darkness.