Muslim soldiers lauded for upholding Islamic values

Muslims serving in the military have been lauded for upholding religious practices and values while at their working stations.(Courtesy)

By FRIDAY BULLETIN

NAIROBI—Muslims serving in the military have been lauded for upholding religious practices and values while at their working stations.

Speaking last week during the Idd Baraza celebrations at the Department of Defence (DoD) headquarters in Hurlingham Nairobi, the Jamia mosque Imam Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu commended the officers for maintaining their Islamic identity and practices even as they undertake the national obligation to safeguard the nation.

Sheikh Swalihu who was the chief guest at the function told Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Muslim servicemen to appreciate their Islamic values and embody the teachings of Islam in their military careers.

He further pointed out that the growth in the number of mosques and madrassas in military camps is a sign of government commitment and support towards Muslims serving in the military.

The Imam commended the Department of Defence administration for providing Muslims with a conducive environment to undertake their religious practices while discharging their duties for the good of the nation.

“We appreciate that Muslim soldiers during the holy month of Ramadhan were exempted from tasks that could have hindered the performance  of their Ibadaat (acts of worship),” Sheikh Swalihu said.

He called on other disciplines forces including General Service Unit (GSU), the regular and Administration Police and Kenya Prisons to emulate KDF in promoting the Muslim identity in the disciplined forces.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Suleiman Kibwana, who represented the KDF Muslim patron Major General Adan Mulata called upon the Muslim faithful in the military to embrace cohesiveness irrespective of ethnicity or faith saying that KDF represented the true face of Kenya and all religious diversities.

Among those who graced the occasion included Brigadier (rtd) Ahmed Muhammad, KDF Principal Imam Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Malik Rubeya, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ummah University Professor Mohammad Karama among other dignitaries