Norwegian Armed Forces Ad Features Muslim Soldier Shouting 'Allahu Akbar'

Norwegian soldiers, U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Mustard, Public domain | Jihad Watch

A new recruitment advertisement by the Norwegian Armed Forces has sparked public debate after depicting a Muslim soldier praying to Allah as part of its message promoting diversity within the military.

In the commercial, the soldier is shown with both the Norwegian flag and an Islamic crescent displayed on the uniform. During the scene, the soldier says, "Allah is greatest." The campaign also includes other scenes portraying a gay couple sharing a flirtatious moment and a man caring for a baby, reflecting what the military describes as the diversity of Norwegian society.

Gry Bohne Hauge, Head of Marketing and Society at the Norwegian Armed Forces, defended the campaign, explaining that it highlights values the military is committed to protecting. Speaking to Kampanje, she said that love and faith are fundamental rights that the armed forces must safeguard for everyone living in Norway.

Hauge added that the campaign is intended to demonstrate that the military welcomes recruits from a wide range of backgrounds. According to her, the goal is to show that the armed forces should be an inclusive workplace, regardless of an individual's identity, whom they love, or what they believe.

Despite this explanation, the advertisement has drawn significant criticism on social media. Among the critics is journalist Espen Teigen of the conservative outlet Document, who argued in a post on X that the campaign conflicts with Norway's historical traditions.

Teigen wrote that the inclusion of "Allahu akbar" and Islamic symbolism does not represent the Norway that previous generations fought to defend. He further claimed that the campaign undermines the country's cultural heritage and asserted that Islam stands in opposition to Norwegian values.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)