SHARING Faith I
mam Asim Hafiz as Islamic Religious Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff and and Muslim Chaplain to the Armed
Forces and has spent nearly two weeks travelling to British and Afghan bases in Kabul and Helmand Province, where he met with Afghan and British troops to promote understanding between the different faiths.
The Imam was in Afghanistan to highlight the importance of religious and cultural understanding. He led prayers in different locations with Afghan soldiers, UK Muslim personnel and members of the US Marine Corps.
Imam Hafiz said: “Giving them a little respite from their work and leading them in prayer was a humbling experience.”
The Imam took the opportunity to visit the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Qargha near Kabul. He visited the British
www.raf-ff.org.uk
and Afghan senior personnel, observed Afghan officer cadets under instruction, led prayers and spent nearly an hour talking to the cadets afterwards.
“They treated me like one of their mullahs. I feel that my visit as an Imam from a foreign country boosted their morale. They appreciated that the UK respects all faiths.”
Imam Hafiz has visited Afghanistan many times in previous years, in his role as Imam to the Armed Forces. He spent time in Lashkar Gah last year and was able to return to meet Afghan security personnel, civic leaders from the provincial capital and the Imam of Lashkar Gah central mosque.
“They understood that the future is not going to be easy but they are prepared to make the most of what is to come”.
In his final planned visit to British troops in Afghanistan, the Imam was able to witness the redeployment of equipment
that is taking place. With the Afghan National Security Forces firmly in the lead for operations across the country the UK is drawing down its presence.
“The redeployment effort is a sign that the UK has done what it can and laid the foundations for Afghan futures. It is a clear sign that we were here to help – not to stay”.
Envoy Spring 2014 13
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