Can A Muslim Serve in the US Army?

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.

Reply

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 Allah. Even though it be against yourself, your parents or your kinsfolk. Be they rich or poor, Allah knows better about them both. So do not be led by passion, lest you swerve from the truth." (Al-Nisa’ 4: 135)

Then again, at another instance, regarding their collective lives, the Qur’an says:

Believers, remain steadfast for Allah 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-Maidah 5: 8)

Keeping this directive in mind, it is quite logical to derive that a Muslim only fights for the cause of justice. A Mulism 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 unheedful 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.

I hope this helps.

Best regards

The Learner