Help for a New Muslim in Training
Assalamu alaykum everyone, I need some advice, and I hope you’ll hear me out even if the topic is a bit unusual. I recently embraced Islam, alhamdulillah, but I had already joined the army before that. Now I’m heading to basic training, and I’m worried about keeping up with my prayers and practices. The Muslim community in the military is tiny, and I’m not sure what support is available, especially for us. I’ll be at Ft. Sill for combined basic and job training, but I can’t bring my own prayer mat, Quran, or turbah. So, my questions: 1. Is it possible to get a prayer mat, a small Quran, or a turbah while I’m there? Maybe through the chaplain? I know I might miss some prayers, but at least on Sundays I’d love to pray properly. 2. About the prayer mat: in the barracks, the sleeping area is connected to the bathroom. I know praying in the bathroom isn’t allowed, but if I put my mat by my bunk, would that be okay? I just want to make sure I’m doing things right. I’m trying my best to learn and represent Islam well, to show that we’re not what the media often portrays. Any tips from those with experience would mean a lot. And no matter our differences, we’re all one ummah-let’s keep respect between us. Jazakum Allahu khairan.