What is the number of Muslims buried at Arlington National Cemetery?

Why is this question important?

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of military service members and their families. The cemetery serves as a symbol of honor and sacrifice for those who have served in the armed forces. As the largest national cemetery in the United States, it is important to understand the representation of different religions and cultures at Arlington, including the number of Muslims buried there.

Brief history of Arlington National Cemetery

Originally established during the Civil War, Arlington National Cemetery was created on the grounds of Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Today, the cemetery spans over 600 acres and contains over 400,000 graves of military personnel and their families, including those who served in every major conflict since the American Revolution.

Muslim representation at Arlington

Muslims have been buried at Arlington National Cemetery since at least the 1950s, with the first known burial being that of Army Corporal Ahmed A. El Hage in 1955. Muslim service members who have given their lives in service to their country are eligible for burial at Arlington, as are their spouses and children.

How are graves at Arlington marked?

Graves at Arlington National Cemetery are marked with a headstone or marker made of marble or granite. The headstone typically includes the person’s name, rank, branch of service, and dates of birth and death. Religious symbols, including the Islamic crescent and star, can also be included on the headstone or marker if requested by the family.

The challenge of identifying Muslim graves

Identifying Muslim graves at Arlington can be a challenge, as not all families choose to include religious symbols on the headstone or marker. Additionally, some Muslim graves may be marked with only the person’s name and dates of birth and death, making them difficult to distinguish from other graves.

Estimating the number of Muslim burials

The exact number of Muslim burials at Arlington National Cemetery is not publicly available. However, estimates suggest that there are several hundred Muslim graves throughout the cemetery, including those of service members and their families.

Controversy over Muslim burials at Arlington

There has been some controversy over Muslim burials at Arlington National Cemetery, with some critics arguing that Muslims who have served in the U.S. military should not be buried at the cemetery due to their religion. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has maintained that eligibility for burial at Arlington is based solely on a person’s military service, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Memorializing Muslim soldiers at Arlington

In addition to burials, there are several memorials at Arlington National Cemetery that honor the sacrifices of Muslim service members. These include the Muslim American Veterans Memorial, which was unveiled in 2005, and the Crescent Memorial, which was dedicated in 2006.

Other notable Muslim burials at Arlington

In addition to service members, there are several notable Muslim figures buried at Arlington National Cemetery, including journalist Mohammed al-Hakim and musician Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens).

Efforts to increase Muslim representation at Arlington

There have been efforts in recent years to increase Muslim representation at Arlington National Cemetery, including calls for a dedicated Muslim burial section. However, these efforts have been met with some resistance and controversy.

Conclusion: What can we learn from this?

The number of Muslims buried at Arlington National Cemetery is a reflection of the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of those who have served in the U.S. military. While there has been controversy and resistance around Muslim burials at the cemetery, it is important to recognize the sacrifices made by all service members, regardless of their religion.