A US Army article highlights the faith and work ethic of PFC Ajmal Zada, an adherent of Islam who is observing Ramadan while still supporting his combat unit in Iraq.

Zada notes he joined the Army with trepidation over how his religious beliefs would be accepted:

“When I first joined the military, I was scared that I was not going to be allowed to practice my religion,” Zada explained, describing his initial fear of enlisting. “But my chain of command and the chaplains have all been very helpful and supportive, and I have had no problems.”

Not only has the US Army been supportive of Zada’s religious freedom, his positive attitude and work ethic have been noticed by his peers and leaders:

Although Zada is deployed during the month of Ramadan, he knows that he still has a job to do.

“My duty comes first,” Zada says about the interference of his deployment and Ramadan. “And serving my country is my duty. I knew this when I signed the dotted line…”

Said SGT Michael Lawson:

“[Zada] fasts during the day but still does his soldier duties. He could complain about how he has no energy from fasting, but he does not. It shows he has a lot of character. He is a good dude.”

Abstaining from food and water during daylight hours for a month, during the longest and hottest part of the summer, in a combat environment, and still being supported by his fellow Soldiers and the Army speaks volumes about Zada’s commitment to his duties and the Army’s respect for his free exercise of religion.

Religious liberty is no small matter, and the US military recognizes that.