Being the citizen of a country with full rights also entails full duty and responsibility. Citizens should be at the service of their country in whatever job, security and defence included. A soldier, regardless of faith, should first of all obey commands and not act on personal convictions, such as choosing where to fight or which type of enemy to shoot or kill.
As Britain is a society where people from different faiths work in ordinary and sensitive areas like Scotland Yard, it doesn’t make sense to exclude Muslims from joining the army. This will just increase the suspicion some have about Muslims that they are good just at killing for religious beliefs and not to defend their country against aggression. The military means camaraderie and as such, a Muslim soldier should be loyal to his brothers in arms.
There is only one danger can face the British army is when it is infiltrated by Muslim extremists ready to betray the comrades for the sake of some extremist groups.
Muslim soldiers should be seen as an asset for the military through whom the Muslim community shows allegiance to their country and their pride in fighting for it. They can be an asset also when serving in peace missions in Muslim countries like Afghanistan where the shared religion can help to build trust between the army and the locals.
A striking example of multi-faith and multiracial army is that of the USA. In Iraq Muslim soldiers who originate from Muslim and Arab countries are acting professionally. There has never been an incident of a Muslim American soldier turning his gun against his fellow soldiers or blowing himself up to kill as many as possible.
For UK to discharge Muslim soldiers of their duty or for them to quit will be just a victory for the terrorists who will see this tactic as successful. The best message to them is to keep the army a reflection of social diversity where everyone works for the perpetuation of peace, security and harmony.
Article published first on BBC WHYS and graciously published on the section of the best on the web on The Guardian Unlimited website.
