COMMENT | Muslims in the military |  |
US Muslim soldiers put their lives on the line - but for what?
Several US Muslim soldiers are risking or even sacrificing their lives for a country that increasingly mistrusts American Muslims.
By Shahed Amanullah, June 28, 2004
Few people noticed the military funeral at Arlington National Cemetary outside Washington, DC on June 15th. Perhaps it is because there have been so many of them, but this one was different that the rest. A Muslim Army chaplain led several of the mourners in the janazah (funeral) prayers for Captain Humayun Khan, who lured a suicide car bomb away from the men in his charge, joining other Muslim soldiers in giving their life for a country that increasingly bases its opinion of Islam on the sensational and horrific beheading videos that have clogged the Net recently. Dozens of condemnations or terror from Muslim groups across America and support for their fellow Muslims in the service seem to have made no difference.
"I do often feel like I am viewed with suspicion, but that is always from soldiers who don't know me," said PFC Mirza Bashir Ahmed, a medic currently serving in Iraq. "There are always jokes about me helping the terrorists and being a spy, but I shrug it off as humor in bad taste." While there have undoubtedly been Muslims who disgraced their oath of service, the vast majority of Muslims in the armed forces serve with honor, even after enduring indignities such as those faced by Chaplain James Yee. Now Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun, a US Marine from Utah captured over the weekend, faces a possible beheading similar to the murders of Kim Sun-il and Nicholas Berg as his hometown mosque prays for his safety.
Will the same people who raged on the talk shows show the same outrage if a Muslim soldier is killed? Will they still take the actions of these thugs as representative of Islam, even if they kill other Muslims? The answer will reveal what hope American Muslims have left to defining themselves on their own terms.
Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.
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Assalamualaikum brothers and sisters.Terrorist is always a terrorist.Almost everyday i cry in tears.Allah never taught us to kill innocense people no matter if he is muslim,christian,jews,buddhist or other religion.THis show this terrorist is really kafir although what they thought by doin this in the name of Islam by beheading innocense people.No matter what i don't support either Bush or the terrorist itself .How many lives of united states troops,iraq,civilian must die?They are innocence.How many cries of innocence people must die.How many son,father,mother will hear them cry in pain.I pray to allah swt may the world live in peace.No more bloodshed.
- Posted by FROST_BITE on June 28, 2004 at 07:12 AM
That was very eloquent Frost Bite. Do you suffer from motor mouth syndrome ? I could have sworn I read the same comments from you in the other thread.
If after the treatment of James Yee, Muslim Americans still want to join an army which occupies Muslim lands and treats human beings like animals, then frankly thats their decision and they'll have to live with the consequences of it.
When the Draft comes back (something I pray for everyday) all the smart ones will be on a one way trip to Canada.
- Posted by DrDriveBy (Coony island) on June 28, 2004 at 09:46 AM
I assure you that there are those of us that will be just as outraged at this beheading (still praying it does not happen) as the others. I don't care what relgion they are, they are all human and desreve better then this. So do the Iraqi people. Maybe this Marine went over there in the hopes that his presence would help somehow. That the Iraqi people would identify better with him or that his colleagues would be better behaved with him around. This only hurts the sincerity of the People of Islam. Though most of us know these are extremists, others chose to believe (in ignorance I may add) that if the terrorists claim to be Muslim, all Muslims are like this. I have learned a lot from this website and the people on it and my love and respect for Islam has grown tremendously. I pray daily for God to show us all a way past this to a better tomorrow. Some of you I call friend and am very proud to do as such. I would defend you with my life if necessary as I would my family.
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 28, 2004 at 12:28 PM
DrDriveBy,
You should not be so harsh towards Frost Bite. He/She is only trying to voice their own hurt feelings for these people. It hurts me very much every time I see something like this happen, just as it hurts to hear of the Iraqi people and the things they have had to endure.
Most Muslims that are now in the American Military were already there before all of this began. If they refuse to go they get tried for desertion and thier families suffer public humiliation. Then of course you have the whispers and rumors that they didn't go because they were secretly supporting the terrorists and their families spend the rest of their lives in a living hell. Some joined to go over there to hunt these militants and destroy them before anymore damage gets done to the reputation of good Muslims every where. And they do live with the consequences of it. They lie with having to kill another Muslim, another believer. They live with having to take a life or give their own in its place. This man may end up paying with his life. I believe that evrything happens for a reason. Maybe his impending death (still praying to avoid it) will finally show the world how insane this insurgents really are and we will finally find a way to band together and get rid of them once and for all without innocent people being caught in the middle.
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 28, 2004 at 12:49 PM
>Then of course you have the whispers and rumors that they didn't go because they were secretly supporting the terrorists and their families spend the rest of their lives in a living hell.<
Actually Symoriah, Muslims are not allowed to serve in non-Muslim armies, especially those which have a track record of aggression. Seems whispers and rumors didnt stop James Yee from being persecuted for his faith. Its one thing to defend one's own country its totally another to invade and brutalize another sovereign nation.
>Some joined to go over there to hunt these militants and destroy them before anymore damage gets done to the reputation of good Muslims every where.<
The reputation of good Muslims is not what the US went to Iraq for. These militants/insurgents were ordinary Iraqi citizens until their country was invaded by the US. Surely Americans would defend their own home soil if it were attacked by a foriegn enemy would it not ?
Most people who join the US army come from a background of poverty, some do it for school funding. Not much of an opportunity if the best options the US has for its poorest citizens is to ship them off to war zones to fight for the elites. Kind of defeats the basis of a liberal education if you have to kill somebody to get it, yes ?
Which is why it was hilarious watching Michael Moore try to draft the sons and daughters of US Congressmen in Fahrenheit 911. I'm quite sure those gung ho for war will think twice when their own child is out there dying for oil and Greater Israel. Which is why the draft should be reinstated.
- Posted by DrDriveBy (Coony island) on June 28, 2004 at 01:42 PM
So if Muslims are not allowed to serve in non-Muslim army's what are they doing in the US army? I'm a little confused at that point.
I know that's not what the US went to war for. Most of us chose to believe that it was for the good of the Iraqi people. That Sadam was another Hitler in the making and it was a good thing to get rid of him. I am still in personal debate over that, but there is no question that we don't belong there anymore. At least in my mind. When I speak of militants and insurgents, I am not referring to ordinary citizens. I am talking about the extremists. Yes, I would defend my country against invaders too, but not by doing what they are doing. It cheapens the rebellion and brings to question it's motives. I would never hurt my cause in that way.
My dad spent 20 years in the army and my ex-husband is an active duty Marine. He has already served on "tour" over there and is about to have to go again. I know exactly why a lot of people join the military and you are correct, most come from poverty. They need the security and benefits to help give their family a better chance. There is a price to pay for that though. Unfortunetly. In the end it is still their choice. I have no respect for people who want the government to pay for their college but don't want to pay back that when called. It really irritates me.
Eventually I imagine they will reinstitute the draft. If I was a congressman I would insist that my child or myself go too. No special treatment. I agree with you that they should not receive it either and they will probably end up being the first to run to Canada. Why not? We even elected a President that was a draft dodger and by the way, he didn't "inhale"!
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 28, 2004 at 02:18 PM
As for Mr. Moore, I have no respect for him what-so-ever. He uses the freedoms that this country's young men have died for and then bashes them for it. People like that make me sick. I know that every freedom I enjoy today was bought with someone's blood yesterday and I have nothing but respect for the men and women who have served and died honorably for this great nation. I am glad that we have the type of freedom that enable's Mr. Moore to "express himself" in such a manner but he should show a little more respect for HIS country. I have not as of yet seen his documentary but I plan on going as soon as I can. I am curious to see what his conspiracy theories are about. Some may even be true, but I doubt all of them are. In this country, truth is only a perception. It's meaning was lost generations ago.
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 28, 2004 at 02:24 PM
mr moore movie was great. i pray it serves it purpose and helps to unseat the president. his movie showed the horror of the war. the mothers of these us soilders dying for nothing. dead iraqi babies who comitted no crime. as for the marine being held captive this will really show you what kind of monsters they are. ALLAH says if you kill a muslim your recompence is hell, FOREVER. that really wont matter simply because these monster work for shaiton, and dont care
- Posted by abdullahdia (new york) on June 28, 2004 at 03:43 PM
Anyone of conscience would try and get out of such a war, though of course these people don't choose which wars they get to fight, kinda of how any military works. It is not defending "freedom" or fighting "terror." Like most wars in history, the one who initiated has his own interests on his mind. Then they furnish their war with rhetoric that will make their people feel comfortable with war. In the Muslim world, you fight to defend "Quran and Sunnah" or "Islam" in the west you fight to defend "Freedom and Democracy." These are buzzwords which most people in the public will allow you to use to abuse any other society, or your own. The neocons could careless about the fate of the Iraqi people, and have supported their torture and repression. Rumsfeld was good buddies with Saddam at one point, despite the lack of "freedom" and "democracy" in Iraq under Saddam. Bin Laden was a freedom fighter in Afghanistan, and when interests changed he became a terrorist (of course its the same for bin Laden too, he never liked the US but they shared a common interest in Russia). And Bush and his cronies have had the bombing of Iraq on their minds, and this was before any of these supposed security concerns from Iraq post 9/11. I really hope people don't honestly believe that George Bush sits around with Rumsfeld, Powell and Rice each day and discuss concerns over the lack of democracy in Iraq which was we why were attacked on 9/11. Saddam has no link to bin Laden, and if he did it wouldn't be any different. Actually they are on opposite ends of the political spectrum so to speak. A radical Islamist (to put it mildly) and a radical Secularist. Their real ideologies are self-worship, not unlike Bush.
- Posted by haben79 on June 28, 2004 at 06:58 PM
DrDriveBy I'd like to know why it is okay for Muslims to live in the US but not okay for them to serve in its military (please don't get into specifics of wars the US has fought, I know they are largely ugly) I want to know why in PRINCIPLE they shouldn't but they can live here and reap its benefits. I also want to know your stand on the war against Serbia during Milosovic's abuse of Kosovars. And I'm trying to be very respectful, lets not let this degenerate into something less than that, and I remind myself of this as well.
- Posted by haben79 on June 28, 2004 at 07:05 PM
>So if Muslims are not allowed to serve in non-Muslim army's what are they doing in the US army?<
The same story as that of Muslims who drink alcohol, gamble, and fornicate - they simply dont care. Perhaps these guys needed the money.
>I know that's not what the US went to war for. Most of us chose to believe that it was for the good of the Iraqi people.<
And who gave you the authority to determine whats right for whom ? The US went to war against Iraq for oil and Greater Israel, its as simple as that. If over throwing "Hitler-lites" then why not go topple Sharon, Karimov, Musharaf etc? Iraqis hated Saddam, but they hate America and its armies even more.
>As for Mr. Moore, I have no respect for him what-so-ever. He uses the freedoms that this country's young men have died for and then bashes them for it.<
I myself disagree with some of Moore's extreme liberal views, but not once did he ever bash or critisize US troops in Fahrenheit 911, how can you say as such when you havent even seen his film ? My disappointment is his lack of focus on neocons and Israel's role in 911 and the war in iraq. Moore's patriotism transcends that of idiotic flag waving warmongers, call him what you want liberal, lardass, communist but an America hater he is NOT.
>We even elected a President that was a draft dodger and by the way, he didn't "inhale"!<
Yes, Clinton was that and more. FYI Bush jr is ALSO a draft dodger and had his own experience with drugs. Infact turns out most of his Cheney, Wolfowitz, Feith, Pearl were also draft dodgers. Its time for you to forget party politics and realize that Americans have a tendency to "elect" the worst amongst them to positions of power. A habit which they never learn from.
- Posted by DrDriveBy (Coony island) on June 28, 2004 at 08:03 PM
Assalmualaikum.its not about he/she is a muslim in army>or he/she is a muslim are not allow joining in the army. The fact IS THAT THE LIFE OF INNOCENSE ONE.
- Posted by FROST_BITE on June 29, 2004 at 02:35 AM
DrDriveBy,
When I comment on Mr. Moore it is by statements made, not his movie. I would never presume to comment on something I have not seen yet. Again, poeple like him irritate me. They think they are doing good when in fact, they are only making a bad situation worse. How is that helping? I never said he was an "America Hater". How could he be? He enjoys the success and freedoms of democracy. He has made money off of this country. Why would he hate it?
Yes, I know the stats on Bush and everyone else that has been President of this great nation. There aren't too many people left in this country that have not had an experience with drugs of some kind. The generation in politics now is the same generation that dealt with Vietnam and that tradgedy. I am not affiliated with Democrats or Republicans. If I am considered anything, it is a Reformist. This country needs change, BADLY.
Most of us thought we were going over there to help. In hindsite we now see what our hearts blinded us to before. Believe it or not, there are still Americans here that believe in truth, justice and freedom for all people of the world. Regardless of race or gender or even Religion. This "war" has caused a lot of us to realize that we need to take a closer look at our own government and it's corruption. Make no mistake sir, some of us have woken up. You are correct though that this country has not learned from it's mistakes. Most people in this country could care less who runs it as long as it doesn't interrupt their way of life.
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 29, 2004 at 08:06 AM
Frost Bite,
You are correct. However, innocence is apparently determined by one's own personal opinion these days. It is unfortunate but a fact.
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 29, 2004 at 08:12 AM
Frost Bite,
You are correct. However, innocence is apparently determined by one's own personal opinion these days. It is unfortunate but a fact.
- Posted by symoriah (Ohio) on June 29, 2004 at 08:12 AM
Symoriah,
I thank you and your family for your selfless services made to our nation. Although our nation is a far cry from adhereing to Islamic tenents and jurisprudance, I can't think of any other nation that comes closer today than the United Satates of America. If you are an American citizen and haven't served this country in a military or civil capacity, generally speaking, I suggest you limit your comments to your experience. Some people are quiters from the get go while others are optimists to the very end. We can all huddle together in a large cave, live a hermetic lifestyle praying that Allah solve our problems for us, or we can engage them outright. Many Muslim service men and women are truly pioneers in bridging the gap between the Muslim world and the rest of the world. They are few and between, but they do contribute in influencing millitay highers, the Sate Dept. and Congress not to mention the countries in which they operate. It's a small step but a necessary one none-the-less. As outraged as one may feel towards the U.S. operations in Iraq, it could have been much worse if Muslims in our country turned a blind eye to what's taking place among Muslim populations globally. Our voice and or service to our nation yeilds greater credibility and respect which conversely yields greater influence. I too am pro draft as serving our country acts both as an ethical check as well as reconnecting with our nation and each other irrespective of social class etc. May Allah protect and guide CPL Hassoun, forgive all his sins and bless him and his family.
- Posted by honkytonk on July 1, 2004 at 03:05 PM
>As outraged as one may feel towards the U.S. operations in Iraq, it could have been much worse if Muslims in our country turned a blind eye to what's taking place among Muslim populations globally.<
I doubt this, it certainly didnt stop war criminals from humiliating, torturing, raping and killing unarmed innocent Iraqi men, woman and children, on top of that they took pictures which they burnt to CDs as if they were trophies. No Muslim, or for that matter person of conscious would want to have anything with such criminals.
>people are quiters from the get go while others are optimists to the very end<
Most educated and sensible people I know arent going to participate in ill-advised colonial romps, even if the lie is being sold under of guise of "serving your country." Being canon fodder for zionist neocons is actually serving another country altogether, a international terrorist state called Israel.
- Posted by DrDriveBy (Coony island) on July 1, 2004 at 08:33 PM
Thanks symoriah
- Posted by FROST_BITE on July 1, 2004 at 09:17 PM
i am in now way an "extremist" but he had no business over fighting. he knew this as a muslim.
- Posted by abdullahdia (new york) on July 2, 2004 at 09:37 AM
Why would a muslim fight? Why would a muslim join the military? America is the only country that nuked another country. The american military has a history of destroying and killing in the name of democracy which is not a true democracy. African Americans have fought for america and returned from wars to be called niggers and treated with such disrepect. And the majority of soldiers that are of color only fight because for financial reasons and not for the love of their country.
Personally, I would never fight for this country. I will fight for other noble causes but not for a country that it's leaders are liars and corrupted with power.
The muslim leaders need to take care of business, which should be i.e Saddam and other corrupted leaders and take them from their leadership positions. Muslim leaders need to follow the example with the Quran and Sunnah, and stop selling out.
- Posted by khalil (usa) on July 2, 2004 at 01:38 PM
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altmuslim this week - august 23, 2010 - This week, is there a connection between the heated rhetoric over Park51 and increased hate crimes against Muslims? Also, parallel struggles against anti-Muslim protests in Bradford, England and the innovation (and integration) on display in the 30 Mosques, 30 States and 30 Nights, 30 Grants projects. 
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altmuslim review 033 - We're baaaaack! We speak about the ongoing controversy over Park51 and what means for the future of lower Manhattan. Also, a discussion with Farhad Chowdhury of the M100 Foundation, which seeks to change the way Muslims pay zakat (August 13, 2010)
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Recent and upcoming talks and offsite articles by altmuslim contributors
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'Jihad Jane': not the usual suspect, Wajahat Ali, The Guardian, Comment is Free, March 18, 2010.
Al-Awlaki, a new public enemy, Zahed Amanullah, The Guardian, Comment is Free, December 30, 2009.
Islamophonic: Review of the year, Riazat Butt, Zahed Amanullah and David Shariatmadari, Cif Belief (The Guardian), December 18, 2009.
Fort Hood has enough victims already, Wajahat Ali, Comment is Free (The Guardian), November 6, 2009
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Shahed will be attending the m100 Sansoucci Colloquium in Potsdam, Germany, September 14-16, 2009. He will be moderating a panel discussion on the Danish cartoon crisis with Denis MacShane MP, Jasim Al-Azzawi (Al Jazeera English), and Flemming Rose (Jyllands Posten).
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Media appearances and analysis featuring altmuslim editors
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US Muslims & media… Lost love - "We have a big problem; it’s that other people are shaping the story about us," Shahed Amanullah, editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com, told IslamOnline.net. (December 16, 2009)
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