A believer's attitude

All Hands, March, 2008 by Richard Two Bulls

Lt. Cmdr. Muhiyyaldin Ibn-Noel is currently a staff chaplain at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Ill., which he considers to be a special opportunity. Ibn-Noel is not only the Navy's senior ranking Muslim chaplain; he was also the Navy's first Muslim chaplain. Although being first is something he is proud of, Noel keeps his unique position in perspective.

"I think as chaplains we're ambassadors of faith," said Ibn-Noel. "It doesn't really matter whether you're the first or last, what matters is that you're getting the job done."

According to Ibn-Noel the events of the war on terrorism have bred negative associations with Islam. Through ministry, he is able to educate the Navy's newest Sailors on the true meaning of Islam. This is where he finds the most satisfaction from his job.

"The enemy right now is a radical Islam. I have the opportunity, being here with the recruits, to teach them what true Islam is and to offer them counter-balance to what they may have learned from [the mainstream media]," said Ibn-Noel.

"People just don't understand Islam," Ibn-Noel said. "I think part of the problem with the Muslim world right now is that we are 1.7 billion people and we are allowing ourselves to be advocated for, by less than two percent of the population and no one else is saying anything."

RTC is considered the "Quarterdeck of the Navy," and Ibn-Noel values his ability to affect Sailors as they begin their journey in the Navy. He believes religious outreach helps recruits deal with the tough transition of becoming a Sailor. He said the training at RTC tests recruits mentally and physically, yet ministry helps them see a different side to boot camp.

"There is an autonomous side, a human side that recruits wouldn't see at this particular venue," said Ibn-Noel.

The relationship Ibn-Noel has with recruits isn't a typical officer to enlisted relationship, but one of human fellowship and spirituality. He said being prior-enlisted and actually having graduated boot camp at RTC also helps him relate with the recruits.

To Ibn-Noel, being an ambassador of faith means teaching a clear and true message of Islam. Getting the job done means mentoring and supporting the Navy's future on a spiritual level through fellowship, letting them know that no matter how hard it may seem, they can do this.

Story by MCSA Richard Two Bulls, photo by MC1 (AW) R. Jason Brunson