Question
Please comment on the following statement. Is it correct? Are all flags of all Muslim nations haraam? "We need to educate the Muslims that the only flag we stand, fight, and die for is the flag of Laailaha il lallaah. Every other flag is a flag of nationalism and a flag of Jahiliyyah (pre-islamic ignorance). These flags had divided the Ummah, dissected the Muslim lands, and broke the brotherhood Islam built. So we say nationalism is under our feet, just as the Messenger of Allah said: "All matters of the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period) are abolished beneath my feet...." Drop the flags of Jahiliyyah and pick up the flag of Islam!" (End of the flag statement)
Answer
Undoubtedly, the arrogance of nationalism is haraam. But flags are not necessarily haraam. Only if the flag connotes haraam, will it be haraam, e.g. the flag of a kuffaar nation, the flags of sporting teams, the red cross flag, etc. Even the different tribes among the Sahaabah had their own flags.
The noble and great Sultan Salaahuddin who had fought and defeated the crusaders had numerous nationalities and tribes comprising his troops. They had their own national flags which were displayed on the occasions of battles. There is nothing wrong with such flags. There is no injunction of the Shariah which prohibits the flags of Muslim nations and tribes.
The numerous Muslim nations all have their own distinct forms of Islamic dress. This does not mean that their dress code is of the Jahiliyyah. Flags do not divide the Ummah, and did not divide the Ummah. Fisq, Fujoor and love of the dunya had divided the Ummah.
The statement does not explain what is the concept of nationalism which is not permissible. Allah Ta'ala has created nations. Pride on the basis of nationalism is haraam.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- Al-Haq Bulletin No. 69
- PDF page
- 12
Appears under FLAGS AND NATIONALISM (approximate).