8/24/2011 -- CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims all over the world as a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God and practice self-sacrifice. During this occasion, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours.
Once night falls, an Azan, or call to prayer, is made, breaking the fast. Muslims then gather together to enjoy a meal with family and community and engage in prayer and spiritual reflection.
It is important to all Muslims that an Imam, the Islamic equivalent of a priest, be present during the evening prayer, and several Muslim Marines had asked chaplains aboard Camp Leatherneck if there was going to be an Imam present during Ramadan in the weeks leading up to the holy month.
Within Regional Command Southwest’s area of operations in Helmand and Nimroz provinces, there are currently 47 chaplains. However, none of them are Muslim.
Lt. Asif I. Balbale has traveled to Helmand province all the way from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton, Calif., to help fill the spiritual needs of Marines and Afghans during Ramadan. In California, Balbale is the chaplain for Assault Amphibian School Battalion, and is one of only three Muslim chaplains in the Navy Chaplain Corps.
Balbale was born and raised in Kuwait and immigrated to the U.S. for higher education 11 years ago. After receiving a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Montana, he found it hard to find work. In September 2004, Balbale enlisted in the Navy and became a machinist’s mate.
“I wanted to prove that Muslims can be a part of America and be constructive citizens of the nation,” said Balbale.
Three years later Balbale started looking into commissioning programs. It was during this time he became aware of the shortages of Muslim chaplains in the chaplain corps.
“There was a need,” said Balbale who finished the chaplain candidacy program in March 2010. “I felt that this is where God is calling me to.”
Although he does not encounter many Muslims at Camp Pendleton, he guides and counsels all service members under his charge.
“The most rewarding part of this job is being able to help a Marine,” said Balbale. “When one of my Marines comes up to me and says, ‘Sir, thank you for helping me,’ – that is the most satisfying moment for me. Nothing tops that.”
Balbale spent his first two weeks in Afghanistan at Camp Dwyer in southern Helmand province. He then spent seven days at Kandahar Air Field before coming to Camp Leatherneck, where he has led Muslims in nightly prayer sessions, or Ishas, and breaks fast with them after the sun sets. Additionally, he has been visiting hospitals, holding shuras and ministering to any coalition service members who are Muslim.
“It’s a very unique experience for people from different nations to see a person in a U.S. uniform being a Muslim, being an Imam…it comes out as a surprise to many,” said Balbale. “Sometimes people come across and say, ‘I never knew the United States could do that or have an Imam in uniform.’ It’s a very positive experience for them.”
Wali , a linguist with RC(SW) that works at Camp Leatherneck, is very thankful for Balbale being here during this sacred month.
“It’s very important for Afghan linguists and people here that we have the Imam to lead us and pray with us,” said Wali.
“All of my friends…we prayed before Ramadan that God would bring someone to lead us and to be an Imam. Everybody is happy that we have an Imam to lead us and pray with us.”
Having a Muslim chaplain among coalition troops not only helps minister to their needs during Ramadan, but it also sends a message to the people of Afghanistan, said Capt. Steven Brown, the chaplain for RC(SW).
“It demonstrates that we are a nation of tolerance,” said Brown, a native of Clawson, Mich. “We also demonstrate to the Afghan people that we have Muslims in our ranks and that we are tolerant of all religions. Not only are we tolerant, we peacefully coexist.”
This has marked Balbale’s first deployment as a chaplain. He hopes it is the first of many to come.