A British news report tells the story of a British military Imam who led a 600+ member congregation — including locals, American servicemembers, and others — in the celebration of Eid ul Adha while in Afghanistan.

This service provided an opportunity for ISAF to demonstrate respect for the Muslim faith by providing a service for all Muslims on the base. One young American pilot told me of the sense of unity he felt being able to pray with fellow Muslim soldiers from other countries and with local Afghans, in a celebration that counters the insurgent messages that ISAF are at war with Islam.

Demonstrating the virtue of religious freedom is, of course, a valuable lesson for the Afghan population.

Funny, though, that when Americans assist and participate in Islamic religious association with Islamic locals, it’s considered an “opportunity.”  When Americans do similar things with Christians, some conspiracy theorists call it ‘illegal.’

Photos of the event are now included among many others demonstrating the wide range of religion in the US military on the Resources page here.

Courtesy of Mad Padre.