Can a Muslim in the West Join the Army?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I have a question about joining the army. A friend of mine recently told me about his aspirations to join the military, and I discouraged him from doing so; I would like to get a scholarly opinion on this.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Joining any army that directly or indirectly participates in acts of injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing is unlawful. In cases where such activities are not known from a particular army (the “West” is a broad category and includes, for example, South Africa), it requires careful consideration of one’s intentions, the potential for involvement in injustice or harm, and ensuring actions align with Islamic principles of preserving life and justice, as guided by traditional Islam.
Intention (Niyya): The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Actions are by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended” [Agreed Upon]. The intention behind joining a military force must be evaluated in light of Islamic values such as promoting peace and justice. When a government or military goes against this, one should not join.
Justice and Oppression: Allah says, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…” [Quran, 4:135]. Joining a force that may perpetrate injustice or oppress others contradicts Islamic teachings and would be impermissible.
Preservation of Life: The sanctity of life is paramount in Islam. Allah states, “…whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” [Quran, 5:32]. Engaging in or supporting harm against innocents is unlawful and severely condemned. Therefore, if the military in question is guilty of taking innocent lives, joining them is unlawful.
Loyalty and Allegiance: A Muslim’s ultimate loyalty is to Allah and His commandments. This should guide one’s actions and decisions, ensuring they do not compromise Islamic beliefs and duties.
Guidance and Decision-Making
Consultation with Scholars: Personally engaging with knowledgeable Islamic scholars can provide insight into the complexities of such a decision in light of Sacred Law and the current geopolitical context. The specifics of your situation, the specific military/government in question, the intended role, and the reason for joining may require some further analysis than these broad guidelines, based on the limited information supplied, can provide.
Prayer for Guidance (Istikhara): Seeking Allah’s guidance through Istikhara prayer is recommended for all significant decisions, as it can lead to clarity and contentment with one’s choice. Still, if the military in question is undoubtedly guilty of unlawful acts, Istikhara would not be required since it is a prayer seeking Allah’s guidance on permissible matters, not unlawful ones.
Conclusion
Joining any army that directly or indirectly participates in acts of injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing is unlawful. When this is not the case, joining an army requires a profound reflection on Islamic teachings regarding intention, justice, preserving life, and allegiance to Allah.
These considerations, along with specific consultation with scholars and seeking divine guidance, to make decisions that align with faith and contribute to the greater good, would serve as a guide in this matter, and Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and, for six years, the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
