Question:
What is the permissibility of joining the armed forces.
Answer:
As-Salamu ‘Alaikum,
It is not haram to join the armed forces but you may be required to do many haram things in the course of your duty as a UK soldier (or as a soldier in any army).
Keep in mind that it is believed that killing women, children and trees in the course of war is haram. If you were to refuse your duty for the sake of these then your loyalty to commanding officers would undoubtedly be compromised. The same might apply even to armies of predominantly Islamic countries. When it comes to war religion tends to be disregarded.
Dr. Senad Agic, Imam
SABAH – Chicago
9920 Grand Ave
Franklin Park, IL 60131
