: The Muslim Chaplain of Camp X-Ray

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As the first Muslim chaplain of the US Marines, Lt. Abuhena Saifulislam serves as the liason between the US government and the Al-Qaida and Taliban detainees imprisoned at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. His unique role has put him at the center of attention for those curious about Muslims who want to fight the US as well as Muslims who are loyal Americans and members of the US military. Speaking Bengali, Urdu, English, and halting Arabic, Lt. Saifulislam has helped relieve tensions between the detainees and US military personnel, striving to be just and humane to the captives while drawing the line when necessary. Lt. Saifulislam has worked hard to gain the respect of detainees without compromising his principles or duties. “September 11 is beyond discussion, ” he said about his talks with the captives. “It was just wrong, and yes, I tell them that.”

Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com.  He is based in London, England.