The Study of Religions in Military Institutions in the Arab-Islamic World: From Foundational Contributions to Contemporary Applications

Abstract

This study seeks to demonstrate that the military’s adoption of the study of religions in the contemporary Arab world is an inevitable strategic and practical choice necessary for it to move beyond a traditional mindset to a practical one. Harnessing this discipline opens the door for military personnel to examine the phenomenon free from political and religious considerations and to better manage religious affairs in areas of operation. Therefore, the military establishment must not limit itself to its historical contributions to laying the groundwork for the study of religions through military expeditions that provided opportunities to interact with those of different faiths and to understand their intellectual and doctrinal systems—such as the contributions of Usama ibn al-Munkidh and Abu al-Rayhan al-Biruni. To ensure the research meets its objectives, we adopted a methodological approach combining two fundamental phases: the descriptive phase, in which we examined the intertwined relationship between the military institution and the study of religions, and the critical analysis phase, in which we deconstructed this relationship and explored its backgrounds and characteristics. This methodological approach enabled us to identify numerous contextual particularities required by the application of the science of religions within the military institution, in terms of its various manifestations and challenges.