['Aalim Network QR] Replica Flags of Imam Husein (A)

[abbas@dircon.co.uk (Abbas Jaffer)]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun Alaykum,

The following question was kindly answered by Mulla Asghar.

Regards

Abbas Jaffer
Moderator - 'Alim Network.

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Question:

Salaam 'Alaykum,

Did any of the Imams tell us to keep replica 'alams (flags of Imam Husain
(as) ) in our mosques?  Personally, I don't see anything wrong in it if
these 'alams we keep at least looked like replica flags of Imam Husain (as),
to somehow remind us of the Imam and his sacrifice but the problem is that
these 'alams we keep don't look like flags at all!  

They look more like saris (a type of silkish clothing worn by indian women)
on sticks. Why do we keep 'alams that are blue, green, yellow, orange... I
would really like to know if the Imams (as) instructed us to do these
things, especially when it comes to the amount of veneration we give to
these things.  I am embarassed to even bring outsiders to our center because
they may get the impression that we are some sect of hindus that worship
idols.  People actually kiss these things and hug them and tie their
children on them then have their children wear these strings for the rest of
the year. Isn't this going too far?  I really don't feel comfortable kissing
these sari on stick like replica 'alams but if the Imams (as) instucted us
to do so then I have no problem in doing so.  Please tell me the right thing
to do.

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Answer:

The 'Alam or flag of the standard-bearer had great significance in the army.
As long as the standard could be seen, the morale of the soldiers was
maintained. In history, we find a reference that Imam Husein (A) folded up
his flag after the death of his standard-bearer Abbas (A). Hence the 'Alams
we see today are replicas of flags furled up, although in other places the
flag is displayed unfurled, or held up by two people at either side, etc.

Unfortunately, in their misguided enthusiasm people have introduced rituals
that have caused the situation you describe. These rituals include draping
the 'Alam in various coloured Saris, the "small" 'Alams in the name of the
children of Kerbala, the tying of threads etc. 

Veneration of the 'Alam and other Shabeeh has not been prohibited, for they
have their place in the remembrance of the tragedy; however excessive
hugging and kissing as you have described is improper and should be discouraged.

Wasalaam

(Please also see other answers on Shabeeh in archives - Moderator)