Ramadan at Men’s Central Jail

Muslim inmates, led by volunteer Imam Adel Schumann, participate in Jumu’ah prayers in the chapel of Men’s Central Jail during the month of Ramadan. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

July 26, 2014 2:48 PM PT

Since 2012, when the ACLU began demanding changes in the treatment of Muslim inmates in Los Angeles County jails, the Sheriff’s Department appears to have made significant improvements.

Muslim inmates Derek Cooper, left, and Malcolm Joseph Moore wait for the Jumu’ah prayer service to begin in the chapel of Men’s Central Jail. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Muslim inmate Jerlone Barnes, right, greets volunteer Imam Adel Schumann during a Jumu’ah prayer service. A small crew of deputies at the Men’s Central Jail work to accommodate Muslim inmates during the fasting month of Ramadan. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Malcolm Joseph Moore participates with fellow inmates in the Jumu’ah prayer service at Men’s Central Jail. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Imam Adel Schumann, left, speaks to inmates during a Jumu’ah prayer service in the chapel of Men’s Central Jail. In 2012, the ACLU called on the L.A. Sheriff’s Department to better accommodate Muslim inmates’ religious needs. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Under new rules, deputies at Men’s Central Jail work to accommodate Muslim inmates during the month of Ramadan, serving them meals before dawn and making sure they stay healthy until they break their fast at sunset. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Sgt. Juan Martinez shows inmate Malcolm Joseph Moore one of the prayer rugs that Muslim inmates will receive so they can pray in their cells. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A Muslim inmate, wearing a kufi cap, listens during a Jumu’ah prayer service in the chapel of the Men’s Central Jail during the month of Ramadan. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)