Upholding Identity Amidst Adversity: The Religious and Traditional Practices of Muslim Soldiers in WWI and WWII in Europe

ABSTRACTMuslim soldiers fought bravely in the first and second world wars, yet their contributions are generally overlooked in historical archives. However, beneath the surface of official documentation lies a group of individuals whose faith and cultural practices greatly impacted their experiences amidst immense challenges in the land of "unbelievers". Throughout the wars, Muslim soldiers grappled with managing their faith, fulfilling their military duties, and coping with the harsh European weather. The tension between military policy and religious responsibilities necessitated significant revisions, adaptations, and a willingness to explore unknown territory. This article examines Muslim soldiers' religious and traditional practices during World Wars I and II, drawing on personal and historical accounts, academic studies, and film footage to explore how they navigated their ‘otherness’ and the unfamiliar environment. By studying these experiences, we aim to celebrate their resilience, gain insight into their achievements, and underscore the importance of their religious and cultural identity during wartime.KEYWORDS:Muslim soldiers; Historical archives; WWI; WWII; Identity.摘要：穆斯林士兵曾在第一次世界大战（World War I）与第二次世界大战（World War II）中奋勇作战，但其贡献却普遍被历史档案（historical archives）所忽视。然而，在官方记录的表象之下，有这样一群个体：他们的信仰与文化习俗，在身处“异教徒”之地所面临的重重挑战中，极大地影响了其战争经历。整场战争期间，穆斯林士兵既要妥善践行自身信仰、履行军事职责，又要应对欧洲严苛的气候条件。军事政策与宗教义务之间的张力，促使他们做出重大调整、适配，并愿意探索全新的应对路径。本文以两次世界大战中的穆斯林士兵为研究对象，结合个人与历史记述、学术研究及影像资料，探讨他们如何应对自身的“他者身份（otherness）”与陌生的环境。通过研究这些经历，我们旨在颂扬他们的坚韧精神，深入了解其战时成就，并凸显其宗教与文化身份（identity）在战争时期的重要意义。关键词：穆斯林士兵；历史档案（historical archives）；第一次世界大战（World War I）；第二次世界大战（World War II）；身份（identity）。