Question:
Can Muslims offer themselves for recruitment in the Army of the United States or any other non-Muslim state? Do keep in mind that such recruitment may later result in fighting against and killing Muslims.



Answer:
The Muslims have been directed by the Qur'an to be just and equitable in their actions. Regarding their personal lives, the Qur'an says:

"Believers, remain steadfast in justice, bearing its witness for God. Even though it be against yourself, your parents or your kinsfolk. Be they rich or poor, God knows better about them both. So do not be led by passion, lest you swerve from the truth. (Al-Nisaa 4: 135)"

Then again, at another instance, regarding their collective lives, the Qur'an says:
"Believers, remain steadfast for God bearing witness of justice. Do not allow your hatred for another nation to turn you away from justice. Deal justly, that is closer to true piety. (Al-Maaidah 5: 8)"

Keeping this directive in mind, it is quite logical to derive that a Muslim only fights for the cause of justice. A Muslim cannot be a promoter of injustice and inequity.

In the light of the above explanation, in my opinion, a Muslim may offer himself for recruitment in any army of the world, as long as he is aware of the fact that all his actions shall be guided by the principles of equity and justice. Even while serving a Muslim army, he cannot afford to be careless of this fact.

A just action taken by the army of the United States is as commendable as a just action taken by a Muslim army. And an unjust action taken by a Muslim army is as condemnable as an unjust action taken by any other army of the world.

A great many Americans come from different countries, including my wife (Italian and Catholic). What would happen if Italy and the U.S. went to war? Would it be OK for our son and daughters to fight and possibly even kill relatives that my wife still has there? It would be a very tough decision, but one that might still have the answer of "yes".

According to the Geneva Convention, no soldier is to violate international law voluntarily, even if ordered to do so, and this would include the intentional targeting of civilians. It is possible that a soldier might even have to sacrifice his/her own life by disobeying an order, but aren't soldiers expected to put their life on the line anyway? I'd rather die doing that which is right versus dying doing something unconscientable.

To not allow a Muslem from joining the military would be blatant discrimination, which would violate the meaning of "democracy". This is why I also object to keeping women from fighting on the front lines. Discrimination is discrimination.

Shalom,
Vern

I know a few people who are Muslim and serve the US in the military. Muslims are free to volunteer, and as far as I know, there are no reprocussions against them.

Yes, one old age person i know has his son in US Navy and he is living there for last 20 years. You have to be loyal with US government inorder to be in there defence and i think no matter what happens if you have to fight against the people of who share your faith, land and culture than I think you will 1st have to look at your oath that you have taken with the US army but as far as i have seen, US Army Officials donot use there army or soldiers who have something common like religion, culture or origin with the enemy that they want to attack.

For example if US Army Officials want to strike Afghanistan ,they might not use muslim soldiers (keeping in view there sentiments and there religious and cultural similarities with Afghanistanis). But if a Muslim soldier wishes to fight against Afghanistan than he is welcomed.



Pls correct me if i am wrong.

To be honest, I don't know much on the subject and think that war is an abomination. I don't follow what the regualtions of our military are. I would assume that it is like everyother employer and can not discriminate on color, creed, beliefs, age (to a degree), etc. If I knew more concrete information, I would share.

Generally in the United States any citizen can be considered for service regardless of their religion...loyalty to government and service to ones country are of course lauded. Where I think the difficulty lies is that some groups approve of "jihad" and advocate acts of violence against innocent people...

- Art

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