On the 15th night of Ramadan in a suburb of Belize City, Majid Khan and his family of four gathered for a traditional iftar meal to break their fast. The meal included a leg of lamb that Majid had slaughtered himself, sweets from a sister in Maryland, and dates from Saudi Arabia. Despite the boisterous mood, baby Hamza, born two weeks earlier, slept soundly as the family enjoyed their meal and small talk.
This simple family gathering held special significance for Majid Khan, a former Guantánamo detainee, who was now celebrating with his wife Rabia and daughter Manaal in their new home in Belize. For two decades, such a meal was not possible for them, as Majid had been imprisoned for his involvement with Al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks.
Now in Belize, the family faced new challenges and opportunities. Majid was starting an import business, Rabia needed to seek medical care for their baby, and Manaal was preparing for college. However, larger struggles loomed as Majid sought to integrate into a country that was wary of his past. He faced obstacles in opening a bank account and receiving adequate healthcare for the injuries he sustained in captivity.
Despite these challenges, Majid remained optimistic, seeing this new chapter in his life as an opportunity for redemption. He reflected on his past mistakes and expressed a desire to make amends. With the support of his family and the local Muslim community, he navigated the complexities of his new life in Belize, seeking healing and reconciliation.