Jaidyn Kennedy
Flight Lieutenant Abdul Kader is making Australian history as the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) first Imam.
Growing up in Bangladesh, Imam Kader studied in Egypt before pursuing a master’s in the United Kingdom, where he also lectured for two years, before earning a second master’s degree in Malaysia.
Australia was not his first choice to settle, but an opportunity to be an Imam at the Darwin Islamic Society Mosque saw him make the move and serve four years in the position.
Moving with his family to Toowoomba, Queensland, he became acquainted with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through witnessing their activities and seeing the shared values between his faith and the forces.
“An army member in my congregation highlighted the defence values and principles to me and I thought straight away these are very similar to Islamic values,” Imam Kader said.
Seeing his grandfather serve in Bangladesh had prompted an interest in a military career, but he thought his religious studies might make him less than suitable.
After settling in Melbourne, he noticed the RAAF was seeking an Imam. Following a conversation with his family, he decided to give it a shot.
His position sees him provide spiritual guidance to the personnel at RAAF Williams in Laverton and RAAF Point Cook.
Imam Kader spoke to the importance of Australia fostering strong faith-based relationships with its allies.
“To me it shows Australia as a nation that is welcoming, and I think we can be a world leader in that aspect, because when culture is strong no power can damage that.”
“It is simplistic, but what I am doing aligns with the ideal that we should support and protect each other to live in peace and harmony in this world.”
When asked about the most challenging aspect of his position was, he said it was when difference in judgement between a chaplain and commander arises.
He went on to explain that the differences are often the result of applying lenses such as morality and spirituality compared to pure tactics.
The father of five has always relished in helping others overcome personal adversity and noted that he has become increasingly interested in mental health.
