I work in the army and I am required to wear clothes with images on them. Is it permissible for me to pray in this clothing, given that this job is my source of livelihood?

The questioner : I work in the army and I am required to wear the military uniform, which has an emblem. This emblem consists of a sword surrounded by dots and several stars. The question is: Is it permissible to pray in this uniform, knowing that this is my source of livelihood?

The Shaykh : First, one should look at this job or this path to earning a livelihood. I say: There is no doubt that this path, with the presence of these matters, is at the very least disliked, because a Muslim should not carry a forbidden image in his clothes, especially if he places it on his head. Before anything else, one should think about whether this cause or this means is prescribed and whether there is an excuse for it... or not? In my view, if a Muslim has a choice, he should not take this path as a means to earn his livelihood, because the earth of Allah is vast, and he can knock on other doors and follow another path to obtain his livelihood. Especially since Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has promised those who fear Him that He will provide them with special assistance from Him, as Allah (Mighty and Majestic) said: . This is what one must think about before anything else, and this is the answer, in my belief, to which I testify before Allah, except in one case. If this man is of the opinion that he can benefit the Muslims in his position or rank in the army with an educational or scholarly benefit that no other person can provide, or if it cannot be said that it is permissible for him to remain in this position on the basis of prioritizing the stronger benefit over the lesser harm.
But in this case, he should take every precaution when he stands up from prayer and rises, so that he does not pray with any of these clothes on his body. So that he does not pray while having the image with him. At the very least, the cap can be thrown aside, and he can pray either with his head uncovered, which is the lesser harm and deviation, or cover his head with anything if it is easy for him. This is the answer.