Can a Muslim woman join the Army
Question:
assalam mu alaikum,
what are the prohibitions of a sister who wants to join the army, what would you say regarding this.
Answer:
Wa Alaikum As Salaaam,
In Islam, Allah Has given many guidelines and orders to women, which they are required to fulfill. From among these, is the prohibition of the open intermingling and mixing with the opposite sex. In others words, a Muslim woman is totally prohibited to mix and mingle with such males who are not blood related to her. Even though a Muslim woman is fully garbed, she is still prohibited from such mixing and open interaction with males. In the army, it will be totally impossible and impractical for you to avoid mixing with the opposite sex, and by doing so you will be violating the teachings of the Holy Quran.
A Muslim woman is also required to dress in a manner which has been prescribed in Islam. She is not allowed to wear such clothing in which parts of her body (besides the hands upto the wrists and the face), are exposed. She is also prohibited from wearing such clothing in which the shape of her body can be seen. Instead of these, a Muslim woman must wear long, loose garments which are not transparent. In the Holy Quran, Allah Has given the Muslim woman a specific law to draw upon herself the outer garment, which is an open loose gown or an outer sheet to wrap her entire body. She has also been ordered by Allah to draw or cover the area of her chest and bosom with an outer cloth or garment, so that the shape of the front part of the chest will not be seen. These are some of the guidelines which have been given in the sacred Shariah, and it is extremely sinful for a Muslim woman to violate them. While looking at these, one will immediately realize that the dress code of the army is far different from what a Muslim woman is required to adopt.
These, and other reasons, clearly indicate that the ‘army’ is not a place for a Muslim woman. Therefore, it will not be permissible for a Muslim woman to join the army.
And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan
10/10/2011