World War I is said to be the last major war in which the U.S. Army used mules in any significant numbers. Mules were used for hauling wagons which weighed 2,000 pounds and loaded with 3,000 pounds of cargo (including feed for the mules). Each wagon was pulled by six mules. In mountainous country, however, the wagons were useless, so a train of 50 or more mules, each carrying 250 pounds, would move in single file and cover 60 miles a day.

In both World Wars, mules were called to active duty, though to a lesser extent in World War II. Mules were better adapted to dense jungle trails and steep mountainous terrains that were inaccessible to motorized vehicles. They carried food, supplies and ammunition into the battle zones, and often carried wounded soldiers out. Some 8,000 mules were killed in those wars, and supply ships carrying mules were prized targets for enemy submarines. because they were needed supplies and transport.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: He who grieves a true Muslim cannot then compensate for it by offering him the entire world because it is not sufficient compensation (unless he repents and appeases the said person).

Mules were taken from Southern farms for military use, making work at the farm much more difficult. Some historians have speculated that the shortage of mules might have contributed to the South’s ultimate defeat. It was reported that President Lincoln, when reviewing Union army troops, paid more attention to the comfort of the mules than of his officers.

Imam Ali (PBUH) said: Nothing is more inducive of the reversal of Allahs bounty or for hastening of His retribution than continuance in oppression, because Allah hears the prayer of the oppressed and is on the look-out for the oppressors.

Imam Ali (PBUH) said: Transgression causes the foot to go astray, takes the blessings, and kills the nations.

During the Civil War mules were depended upon to transport artillery and supplies. The Union Army used about one million mules - - which they purchased from dealers. Union Quartermasters purchased over 75,000 mules just for the forces at Chattanooga and Sherman’s Atlanta campaign. In 1864 alone, the Union Army purchased 87,791 mules.
The South, on the other hand, used only half as many mules - - which the soldiers had to provide on their own.

Imam al-Baqir (PBUH) said: There are three types of transgressions: the one which Allah, the Exalted, forgives, the one He does not forgive, and that one which He does not ignore. Thus, the transgression that He does not forgive is infidelity unto Allah Almighty. And, the transgression which Allah forgives is the one that a person commits (against) himself between him and Allah. But the transgression which He does not ignore is the one committed against rights of men.

Imam Ali (PBUH) said: By Allah, even if I am given all the domains of the seven countries with all that exists under the skies in order that I may disobey Allah to the extent of snatching one grain of barley from an ant, I would not do it.

During the Mexican War of the mid-1840s, the U.S. army used mules to pull supply wagons, and during the Spanish-American War, newspapers reported that there were 3,000 mules with the Army at Tampa, FL, waiting to be assigned to ambulances, baggage wagons and to carry packs.

The Holy Prophet (S) said: On the Day of the Resurrection a caller will announce: Where are the oppressors and their assistants and those who prepared an inkwell for them or fastened a bag for them or supplied the ink of a pen (for them)? Then, gather these (people) with them!

Mules have played an important role in military action throughout history. Pack mules provided unlimited mobility to cavalry, infantry, and artillery units. The mule is, of course, the symbol of the U.S. Army.

Mules were used during the Black Hawk War of 1832, but the US Army first used large numbers of mules in the Second Seminole War of 1835-1842.