Can You Have Muslim Soldiers? Diversity as a Martial Value

Abstract

The British Army website is a movable feast. Like many corporate employers, the organisation constantly updates the online information and images so as to entice young men and women with the prospect of an exciting, fulfilling career. In February 2012, a page could be found in the section on joining the army, providing answers to frequently asked questions. ‘Army life has a lot of similarities to civilian life,’ it stated, ‘but there are times when it makes very different demands of the people who live it.’ ² A list of 12 questions could be found below, formatted in ‘accordion’ style so that the answers only appeared when the viewer clicked on the corresponding arrow. Thus it was possible to read them not just as a list but also an index of public ignorance surrounding the nature of military work.

When people raise the subject of racism with me and ask whether it is a matter of political correctness, I remind them that the most glorious hours of the British armed forces were spent when they stood alone against the most poisonous regime ever to emanate from the European continent. The poison at the heart of that regime was racism. There is no place for racism in the ethos of the British armed forces. ¹

(John Reid, Minister for the Armed Forces 1997)

Nationalism and Patriotism are values that are totally compatible with Islam and Islamic teachings. Actually they not only compatible but are actually encouraged and seen as commendable traits. Therefore there a famous Islamic saying in Arabic “Hubbul watan minal eeman” — the love of your nation is part of your faith.

(Imam Asim Hafiz, Muslim chaplain to HM Armed Forces 2010)

Diversity increases operational effectiveness.

(Slogan on RAF diary 2012)