Muslims aboard USS Theodore
Roosevelt experiencing few problems
By Anthony Burgos,
Stars and Stripes
ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, in the Arabian Sea — U.S. military officials
estimate that between 10,000 and 20,000 servicemembers, out of more than 2 million,
practice Islam.
Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which has a crew 5,500-sailors strong, those numbers
are much smaller.
And for the dozen or so sailors who meet every Friday at 1 p.m. to take off their
shoes, kneel on prayer mats and give praise to Allah, the new war on terrorism has become
a time to teach.
Even as they help launch the nightly airstrikes on Afghanistan, targeting people who
share their faith, the Muslim sailors say they know where they stand on the current war
against terrorism.
"Bin Laden should be punished," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael
Davidson. "He and his followers might have Muslim names and come from a Muslim
country, but they aren’t Muslims. They are not following the faith."
Davidson, a 21-year-old from Madison, Wis., was raised in a Christian household but
always had an interest in religious philosophies. His open-minded mother would give him
books about different religions to read.
"I studied about Buddhism, learned about the Jehovah’s Witnesses, but Islam
is what I believe to be the one for me," said Davidson, who declared his faith to
Allah two years ago in what is known as a Shahada.
As far as being a Muslim aboard a U.S. warship, it’s been smooth sailing.
"People treat me normally. I have had no problems," he said.
Until recently, no one ever questioned him about his choice of religion. "After
the attacks, a lot of people started asking me about Islam. I don’t mind clearing up
misconceptions."
However, at least one other sailor aboard the Roosevelt didn’t have as much luck.
Seaman Jermaine Scales, who converted to Islam five years ago, said he received a
threatening e-mail just after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Scales wouldn’t comment on the content of the letter, but said he felt they were
strong enough for him to let his supervisors know.
"We couldn’t trace where they came from, but the chain of command put the
word out that there is no place in the Navy for harassment of any type," Scales said.
"The threats pretty much ended right then and there.
"I know [the threats] were the actions of an ignorant person. They just don’t
know what Islam is about," Scales said. "[The threatening e-mail came] right
after the attacks, when people were very emotional. I am not angry at the people who wrote
them; as a matter of fact, I’ll pray for them."
Scales converted when his life was going in what he called a "bad direction."
All it took for him was a moment with a Syrian man in a West Virginia market. "I
told him that I wanted to take my Shahada. He closed down his store and took me to a
mosque.
"People ask me why I am always happy. I tell them ‘It’s because Allah
has blessed me.’"
Scales still prays five times a day facing Mecca on a prayer rug in his berthing
(barracks on a ship). But being under way does pose a challenge to his prayer schedule.
"When we are traveling, we are allowed to combine our prayers. And no matter where
we pray or what direction we are facing, Allah won’t hold it against us."
Neither will Scales’ leaders, who quickly noticed his positive attitude.
Chief Petty Officer Ginger Gardner says Scales is the type of sailor the Navy needs,
especially during the rigorous schedule while under way. "He’s got a great
attitude, and that’s something important to have out here [aboard the ship],"
Gardner said. "We’ve been real busy, and he is constantly cheery."
Davidson and Scales both said their faith helps them carry out their duties.
"I am doing good," Scales said. "I am helping sailors with their records
and their pay so they can focus on their jobs. The pilots are doing their jobs, too.
It’s up to Allah to judge who is right and who is wrong."
Added Davidson, "Islam means peace and surrender. We surrender to Allah’s
will."
He quotes the words of one of Islam’s prophets to explain his faith to Islam and
loyalty to the Navy and his shipmates. "Muhammad said killing one person is like
killing all of humanity, and saving one person is like saving all of humanity."
It’s the tolerance and acceptance of the religion that drew Davidson to it.
Although Islam seems foreign to the majority of his fellow sailors, he likes to point out
the similarities his religion shares with Christianity.
"When Moses was instructed to get the tablets of the Ten Commandments, he was told
to take off his shoes and kiss the land. Muslims do that every time they pray,"
Davidson said. "The women of our faith are taught to cover their heads much like the
way the Virgin Mary is depicted in many illustrations. The men in our faith are told to
grow our beards and trim our moustaches, much like the way Christ is depicted. There are a
whole lot of similarities. Islam and Christianity are a lot closer than many people
think."
In fact, he and some of his fellow Muslims aboard have discussed how their
conversations with shipmates have been positive.
"People are getting informed about Islam through us — practitioners of the
faith," Davidson said. "They aren’t listening to the rumors."
Scales too has noticed curiosity among his co-workers about his faith, and he’s
more than willing to educate them.
"People are always asking me about Islam," he said. "I truly believe I
can be a sailor and show the world the beauty of Islam."
"He prays in his room and answers any questions people ask him about his
faith," Gardner said. "It’s good because the Navy and America are made up
of so many races, religions and backgrounds. Scales has helped open our eyes. He’s an
example of the melting pot — an example of the way of life we are out here
defending."
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