The Rights of the Prisoner

Imam Ali (AS) used to inspect the prisons every Friday; he punished the convicts and released those who had no charge against them.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘It is the duty of the Imam to release the prisoners on financial charges on Fridays and Ayd [religious festivals] to observe the congregational prayer. He may send them guarded, and when they complete the prayers and the feast, he should return them to the prison.