Top Banner
30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 1/44 remember me reset password login search this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2015 136 points (86% upvoted) shortlink: https://redd.it/3qgazn username password subscribe 23,470 readers 211 users here now About us News, analysis, discussion and investigative journalism of the conflict in Syria along with the regional and global ramifications. TAKE NOTE: Formal warnings can now carry with them 24 hour bans, at moderator's discretion. Moderators enforce civility, not ideological compliance. Visit our sister community, /r/MENAConflicts, for indepth coverage of the conflicts throughout the broader Middle East and North Africa. Verified Charities, Relief Organizations and NGOs [+] SyrianCivilWar Rules [+] SyrianCivilWar Exclusives Submit a new link Submit a new text post SYRIANCIVILWAR 136 Informative Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags (self.syriancivilwar) submitted 2 days ago * by [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015] LiesAboutKnowingYou stickied post With my last writeup on the Black and White flags of Sunni Salafist groups in mind, I'm hoping to tackle the subject of green and yellow flags within the context of Shi'a Islamist groups. For the sake of clarity and in the interest of, hopefully, reestablishing the actual meaning of "Islamist" I want to preface this writeup with the definition that I will be using for that term, and I certainly hope you'll take the time to determine if you're using that term correctly or just as a blanket term for Sunni militant groups. I will principally be focusing on groups in Syria and Iraq, but within that context are groups that originate outside of those nations, including Yemen, Iran, and Lebanon (all nations with large Shi'a populations). Islamism is: "doctrines, beliefs and values as the foundation of a political structure that supporters of that ideology have called 'the Islamic State.' "[1]. Islamism, also called Political Islam, is the belief that Islam should, in either Chat with the members of this community | List of translators | Archive | Encyclopedia | Get a flair FRONT ALL RANDOM | GADGETS SPORTS GAMING PICS WORLDNEWS VIDEOS ASKREDDIT AWW MUSIC FUNNY MY SUBREDDITS MORE » comments related Want to join? Log in or sign up in seconds. | English Twitter Live Chat
44

Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

Dec 02, 2015

Download

Documents

jjj
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 1/44

remember me reset password login

search

this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2015

136 points (86% upvoted)

shortlink: https://redd.it/3qgazn

username

password

subscribe 23,470 readers

211 users here now

About us

News, analysis, discussion and investigativejournalism of the conflict in Syria along withthe regional and global ramifications.TAKE NOTE: Formal warnings can now carrywith them 24 hour bans, at moderator'sdiscretion.Moderators enforce civility, not ideologicalcompliance.Visit our sister community, /r/MENAConflicts,for indepth coverage of the conflictsthroughout the broader Middle East and NorthAfrica.Verified Charities, Relief Organizations andNGOs

[+] SyrianCivilWar Rules

[+] SyrianCivilWar Exclusives

Submit a new link

Submit a new text post

SYRIANCIVILWAR

136Informative Green andYellow Flags theSymbolism of Shi'aIslamist Flags (self.syriancivilwar)submitted 2 days ago * by [Voted Best andWorst Mod of 2015] LiesAboutKnowingYou stickied post

With my last writeup on theBlack and White flags of SunniSalafist groups in mind, I'mhoping to tackle the subject ofgreen and yellow flags withinthe context of Shi'a Islamistgroups. For the sake of clarityand in the interest of,hopefully, reestablishing theactual meaning of "Islamist" Iwant to preface this writeupwith the definition that I willbe using for that term, and Icertainly hope you'll take thetime to determine if you'reusing that term correctly orjust as a blanket term forSunni militant groups. I willprincipally be focusing ongroups in Syria and Iraq, butwithin that context are groupsthat originate outside of thosenations, including Yemen, Iran,and Lebanon (all nations withlarge Shi'a populations).

Islamism is: "doctrines, beliefsand values as the foundation ofa political structure thatsupporters of that ideologyhave called 'the Islamic State.'"[1]. Islamism, also calledPolitical Islam, is the beliefthat Islam should, in either

Chat with the members of thiscommunity | List of translators | Archive| Encyclopedia | Get a flair

FRONT ALL RANDOM | GADGETS SPORTS GAMING PICS WORLDNEWS VIDEOS ASKREDDIT AWW MUSIC FUNNY MY SUBREDDITS MORE »

comments related

Want to join? Log in or sign up in seconds. | English

Twitter Live Chat

Page 2: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 2/44

message the moderators

[+] Related Subreddits

discuss this ad on reddit

MODERATORS

zzqwElBurroLoc0GreyMatter22LiesAboutKnowingYouNaenilnee4speed111Solidus_Snakeoreng

...and 8 more »

part or total, guide the politicalsystem and help to removenonIslamic influences that areincompatible with Islam.Within this definition fits atremendous host of groups:Hezbollah, the Islamic State,the Houthi movement, alQaeda, the Islamic Republic ofIran, the Muslim Brotherhood,alWefaq (in Bahrain), Hamasand a host of others. It is not abyword for "Muslim terrorgroup" and should not be usedas such. Many Muslim terrorgroups are Islamist, but mostIslamists are not Muslimterrorists.

Just as my previous writeupacknowledged that white andblack banners are not theexclusive domain of SunniIslam, neither are green andyellow flags the exclusivedomain of Shi'a Islam. All fourof those colors have their rootsin mainstream Islam and canbe traced back to the time ofthe Prophet (PBUH). Inaddition to white and black,green and yellow arereferenced numerous times inthe Qu'ran and in the hadiths.The Prophet's (PBUH) personalbanners have included thewhite and black previouslyreferenced, but it appears healso occasionally used a yellowbanner, represented by both aweak (da'if) hadith:

Uqbah bin Mukramnarrated: I saw “the flag ofProphet Mohammadsallalahu alaihi wassalamyellow.” [2]

and another hadith:

“The Prophet صلى هللا عليه وسلمhas knotted the flags of al

49 points · 61 commentsSectarianism: A History of the ShiaSunniDivide

discussions in /r/syriancivilwar< > X

Page 3: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 3/44

Ansar and made themyellow.” [3]

Whether the hadith are corrector not, the inclusion of yellowas an Islamic color has been amainstay of color choices fordepicting Islam and the designof Islamic banners forcenturies. Similarly, while theProphet (PBUH) is not recordedto have ever carried a greenflag, there are several Qu'ranicreferences to it as a favoredcolor. It is the opinion of manyIslamic scholars that green wasthe favorite color of theProphet (PBUH) and its usewould become associated withIslam at large. Describing theinhabitants of paradise theQu'ran says:

"Reclining on greenCushions and rich Carpetsof beauty" Surah 55,verse 76

and

"Upon them will be greengarments of fine silk andheavy brocade, and theywill be adorned withbracelets of silver; and theirLord will give to them todrink of a Water Pure andHoly." Surah 76, verse 21

The Fatamid caliphate woulduse an empty green banner asthe flag of the caliphate, whichbegan a long chain of usinggreen in flags to representtheir Islamic roots, including atremendous number of modernnations, both Sunni and Shi'amajority nations, either as partof the flag like in Iran (upperbar), Iraq (both thestars/takbir and then only thetakbir), Syria (stars),

Page 4: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 4/44

Afghanistan (right bar), or thebackground of the flag likeSaudi Arabia, Pakistan, orLibya (until Gaddafi'soverthrow). An overwhelmingnumber of predominantlyMuslim nations' flag bearsgreen in some manner oranother.

Having established that greenis a predominant color in thevexillology of Islamic nations,but before moving into thepurview of its use by Shi'aIslamists, it should beunderstood that green is alsofeatured prominently in SunniIslamist imagery as well.Palestinian group Hamas usesa green background with awhite shahadah for their partyflag. The Muslim Brotherhooduses a variety of symbolincluding an emblem ofcrossed Mamaluke sabersbeneath a Qu'ran on a greenfield, or a similar image on agreen background flag. InSyria, the Sunni Islamist groupJabhat alIslamiyah uses greenimagery in both their parentflag.svg/2000pxLogoof_the_Islamic_Front(Syria).svg.png) and in theemblems of their membergroups like Jaish alIslam orAhrar alSham. The color greenis certainly not exclusive toeither Sunni or Shi'a Islamistgroups.

With all that in mind andknowing that green and yellowimagery and flags do notimmediately indicate a Shi'aIslamist group, it is primarilythese groups who combine thetwo in their flags and imagery.Perhaps the best known of the

Page 5: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 5/44

Shi'a Islamist flags is theIranian sponsored LebaneseHezbollah whose flag sports ayellow background, green Kuficscript, and red text (red is alsoan important color in Islam,present on many flags as well).This design has spawned quitea few imitators as well asaffiliated groups like the Iraqimilitia Kata'ib Hezbollah(Hezbollah Brigades) who use(among other designs) a yellowbackground with greenpendant and an arm graspingan AK similar to the LebaneseHezbollah design. TheHezbollah style flag appears inthe emblems of several dozenIraq based Shi'a militias, manyof which are depicted in thisinfographic of fifty Iraqi militiaemblems.

Beyond the Hezbollah styleyellow/green imagery, the IraqiShi'a Islamist political partythe Islamic Supreme Council ofIraq uses green imagery on ayellow flag. A previous part ofthe aforementioned groupbefore breaking off into it'sown independent organization,the Badr Brigades eschews thegreen in their battle flag butretains the Hezbollah styleoutstretched hand clutching anAK on a yellow background.Not limited to Syria and Iraq,the Iranian funded andorganized Liwa alFatemiyoun[4], an Afghan Shi'a militiafighting in Syria using abanner that depicts a greenand yellow globe with"Hezbollah" in green script andred script below that.Similarly, the logo of theHouthi movement in Yemen

Page 6: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 6/44

(and reputed to have limitednumbers in Syria) is a whitebanner with green and red text(reading from top to bottom:"God is the Greatest/ Death toAmerica/ Death to Israel/ ACurse on the Jews/ Victory toIslam").

As with most things, there areexceptions. The Syrian Shi'amilitia and (believed to be)Lebanese Hezbollah proxy inSyria, Liwa alSayyida alRuqayya [5] uses a blackbanner featuring yellow textand an image of SayyidaRuqayya shrine. However thisgroup routinely uses the flagsand imagery of both LebaneseHezbollah and Damascus basedIraqi militia Kata'ib Sayyid alShuhada, whose yellow andgreen flags bring it full circle.

As established earlier, be itgreen, red, black, yellow, orwhite, no color is exclusive toone group or another. And yetwe come to associate black andwhite with Salafi Islamistgroups, purely green withSunni Islamist politicalmovements, and yellow andgreen together with Shi'aIslamist groups. Whetherintentional to differentiatefrom other strains of Islamistmovements, as a means ofhighlighting one denominationover another, or anunintentional gravitationtowards community colors, adefinite branding by way of thecolor and imagery of the flags,banners, and emblems ofIslamist groups has occurred.One should certainly not hopeto glean political or sectarianallegiance from flag colors

Page 7: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 7/44

all58comments

Keepyourcommentscivil,unoffensiveandunsarcastic.Reportanycommentsthatbreakstherules.

[–] Citizyen 16 points 2 days ago*

Love it! Thanks for the write up!

The ahadeeth of Abu Dawud andBayhaqi رحمهم هللا would not beaccepted by the Shi'a as they are

alone, but to the student ofIslamic conflict, the colors ofthe flags give a unique insightinto probable ideological beliefsof the group.

RESOURCES USED:

[1] Soage, Ana Belén."Introduction to PoliticalIslam." Religion Compass3.5 (2009): 887896.[2] Hadith of Abu Dawudand alBaihaqi[3] Hadith of alTabaranialMuʿjam alKabīr[4] Institute for theStudy of War[5] Joshua Landis, "LiwaalSayyida alRuqayya:Recruiting the Shi'a ofDamascus", SyriaComment.

58 comments share

Page 8: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 8/44

Sunni narrators, although it's a mootpoint since they have a narrationfrom alTabarani

In a long tradition reported on theauthority of alMufaddal ibn'Umar, one of the most eminentand close associates of the ImamsalSadiq and alKazim, it is relatedthat alMufaddal had once askedalSadiq to inform him about theqiyam of alQa'im alMahdi. Thesixth Imam said: "I see him thathe entered the city of Meccawearing the apparel of the Prophetand a yellow turban on his head"

[Seyyed Hossein Nasr, HamidDabashi, Seyyed Vali Reza Nasr,Expectation of the Millennium:Shi'ism in History, 33]

Keeping the above quote in mind, theyellow color has an eschatologicalsignificance for the Shi'a who believetheir 12th Imam will wear yellow,thus, my assumption is the color is insolidarity with the narration as well.permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 5 points 2days ago

Solid. This is the kind offeedback I needed. Thank you!permalink parent

[–] Citizyen 3 points 2 daysago*

I'm glad to be of use :)

The narration of alMufaddal can be foundin Bihar ulAnwar byMuhammad Baqir Majlisiin Kitab alGhaibahpermalink parent

[–] Lynfect 8 points 2 days ago*

Page 9: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 9/44

It took six months, but my questionhas been answered

Found this image on twitter, showingthe clear dominance of green andyellow among Shia militia groups inIraq.permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 6 points 2days ago

I actually meant to do thissooner but I really didn't wantto have to search throughhadiths and the Qu'ran. Afriend helped me locatehadiths I needed (all two ofthem) and that kinda got meoff my ass.

Very much open to corrections.I tried to keep this hyperspecific to the use of imageryas I really don't have a goodknowledge base on Shi'aIslamism, so if I made a majorerror, please let me know.permalink parent

[–] NeverFapAgain547 1 point 6 hoursago

But a Sunni militant groupjundellah in Iran still usesgreen and yellow, seems moreregionalpermalink parent

[–] tyrroi 6 points 2 days ago*

/r/vexillology Yo, PS I am alsoworking on that map I promisedawhile ago.permalink

[–] Lynfect 3 points 2 days ago

What map are you making?

Page 10: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 10/44

permalink parent

[–] tyrroi 3 points 1 dayago

One showing all thedifferent IS wilayats as areference guide.permalink parent

[–] Lynfect 1 point1 day ago

Just those in Iraqand Syria, or evenincluding the faraway ones likeWilayat WestIfriqiyyah andKhurusan?permalink parent

[–] tyrroi1 point 1 dayago

All of themyes :)permalinkparent

[–] Lynfect 1

point 1dayago

Ohhverynice,areyouusingthewilayatlogosorjustwritingout

Page 11: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 11/44

theirnames?permalinkparent

Page 12: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 12/44

Page 13: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 13/44

Page 14: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 14/44

Page 15: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 15/44

Page 16: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 16/44

Page 17: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 17/44

Page 18: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 18/44

Page 19: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 19/44

Page 20: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 20/44

[–] rotateclockwise 5 points 2 days ago

Excellent write up LAKY. You have tokeep in mind that Shia don't believethe Sunni Hadith to be authenticTaqleed, so your sources are notaccurately describing Shia views onthe subject and even if they dosupport and align with the subject,the influence is fairly insignificant

Page 21: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 21/44

from a Shia view. It would be moretelling if you can find quotes from thefour recognized books, or Nahj alBalagha or other Taqleed books bythe Imams.permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 4 points 2days ago

Solid and thank you. Someoneelse listed a more relevanthadith I'll edit it when I gethome.permalink parent

[–] heelfan 5 points 2 days ago

Any particular reason for having AK47s on a large number of the Shiaflags? From what I understand it is amark of Iranian influence.permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 6 points 2days ago*

Edit: I'm wrong. It originatedwith the IRGC.permalink parent

[–] rotateclockwise 3points 2 days ago

Originated with IRGCflag, Hezbollah adopteda similar logo, and Iraqigroups adoptedHezbollah logo.permalink parent

[–] czerss 4 points 2 days ago

No, it's them imitatingthe IRGC flag.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_of_the_Guar

Page 22: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 22/44

dians_of_the_Islamic_Revolution#/media/File:IRGCSeal.svgpermalink parent

[–] [Voted Best andWorst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S3 points 2 days ago

Well there wehave it. Thankyou.permalink parent

[–] solid12345 2points 2 days ago

Which ironicallylooks like theposter for theIsraeliindependence film"Exodus"

http://monkeyartawards.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55097ba24883401675eceb9e9970b400wipermalink parent

[–] czerss 1point 2 daysago*

Exodus isfrom the1960's, ifyou knowabout theIsraeli farrightterroristgroupIrgun, thiswas theiremblem.The groupwas active

Page 23: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 23/44

from the30's and40's. Theyeventuallytransformed into theLikud partyof today.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/15/Pantani.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Irgun_poster_Erez_Jisrael.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irgunpermalinkparent

[–] the_red_wheelbarrow 2

points1 dayago

Whydoterrorgroupshavesuchgoodgraphicdesignersworkingforthem

Page 24: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 24/44

?permalinkparent

Page 25: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 25/44

Page 26: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 26/44

Page 27: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 27/44

Page 28: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 28/44

Page 29: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 29/44

Page 30: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 30/44

Page 31: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 31/44

Page 32: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 32/44

Page 33: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 33/44

Page 34: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 34/44

Page 35: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 35/44

Page 36: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 36/44

[–] asiik 3 points 1 day ago

Thanks for asking, was gonnapost the same questionpermalink parent

[–] 24SevKev 4 points 2 days ago

The AK is kind of a worldwidesymbol for resistance andrevolution. There's a fewnational flags that include it as

Page 37: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 37/44

well as a reminder of theirstruggle against colonialism.permalink parent

[–] CaeruleusPisces 5 points 1 day ago*

the use of green in modern daystates has nothing to do with islamicheritage but rather to a verse ofpoetry that makes use of the 4colours red, black, white and greenthe ones used in most of arab flags ora combination of them it goes likethis.

سل الرمآح العوالي عن معالينا واستشهد البيضهل خاب الرجا فينا

لما سعينا فما رقت عزائمنا عما نروم وما خابتمساعينا

قوم اذا استخصموا كانو فراعنة يوما وان حكمواكانوا موازينا

تدرعوا العقل جلبابا فإن حميت نار الوغى خلتهمفيها مجانينا

ان إدعوا جائت الدنيا مصدقة وان دعوا قالت االيآمآمينا

انا لقوم ابت اخالقنا شرفا ان نبتدي باالذى منليس يؤذينا

بيض صفائحنا سود وقائعنا خضر مرابعنا حمرمواضيناال يظهر العجز منا دون نيل المنى وان رايناالموت في امانينا

the line in bold translates to: whiteare our pages (meaning what peoplesay about us is good +ve) black areour battles (meaning how fierce theywere) green are our pastures(meaning rich and prosperous theland is) red is our past (meaning thatit was filled with loss and death)

it is by Safi Al Deen Al Huli born1276ADpermalink

[–] [DLAMN] Dont_LookAtMyName 5 points2 days ago

Page 38: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 38/44

Great write up as always.permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 3 points 2days ago

Thanks, brother. It's beenbothering me for a while tryingto figure out why groups usethe colors that they use. Wasan interesting thoughtexperiment.permalink parent

[–] saybel 2 points 2 days ago*

Wow I had no idea there wasmeaning behind the colors in somecases. Thanks for the write up Imissed your previous post linked inthis one I will go back and read it.Thanks again these kind of posts arewhat makes this sub so good.

Edit: after dumb question Tuesday isover maybe you can sticky this postso others who may have missed itcould take a look?permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 4 points 2days ago

As a rule I don't sticky my ownposts unless it's a megathreador an administrative matter.permalink parent

[–] StrangeSemiticLatin2 3 points 2 days ago

Could any Turk explain to me whythe Ottomans adopted red?permalink

[–] SH4D0W_TR 2 points 2 daysago

Page 39: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 39/44

Byzantine influence. Notingspecial.permalink parent

[–] czerss 4 points 2 days ago*

I'll point out a lot, and I mean A LOTof actual shia flags are red, after themost common being green.

During muharram, you'll see a ton ofgreen and red flags, on places liketombs you'll see black flags or blackand red flags, especially duringAshura.

Karbala during Ashura.

http://i.imgur.com/ItLHPhS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6x6feqC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UBdQJcE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Dq7tpE6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/od9hMbx.jpgpermalink

[–] StrangeSemiticLatin2 5 points 2days ago

Red and black? Are they Shiaanarchists?permalink parent

[–] czerss 4 points 2 days ago*

Shiites wear a lot ofblack. Sayyid mullahswear black turbans.

The colors combined onflags demonstrates lossor sacrifice. DuringAshura they changeHussains flag from redto black.

I'm quoting this:

"In the Islamic lunarcalendar there are fourHaraam months(Muharram, Rajab, Dhu

Page 40: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 40/44

alQa'dah and Dhu alHijjah) and it's beenHaraam for Arab tribesto fight against eachother in these fourmonths.

So if two Arab tribeswere in a battle, at thebeginning of thesemonths they would havesuspended the war andraise a red flag on thedome of thecommander's marqueeto show that.

It was also an Arabtradition to raise a redflag on the tomb of theone who had been killedunjustly, until his deathis revenged."

So the Shia view thedeath of Hussain as notavenged.

Hussain tomb flagnormally

http://i.imgur.com/8MNDKrb.jpg

Hussain tomb flagduring Ashura

http://i.imgur.com/ACgTCTl.jpg

Hezbollah will evenchange the color of theirflag for the occasion

http://i.imgur.com/hse0hml.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/n4w3fVy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/S5SRCIb.jpg

Again black and red forAshura

http://i.imgur.com/NQ4PwSf.jpg

Page 41: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 41/44

permalink parent

[–] StrangeSemiticLatin22 points 2 days ago*

This is a muchbetter then what Iexpected from myjokey comment.Thanks a million.

Also, does therevenge red alsoapply to Persians?permalink parent

[–] czerss 1point 1 day ago

http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/colorpersrang

Gives agoodexplanationof colorsand theirsymbolismforpersians.permalinkparent

[–] StrangeSemiticLatin21 point1 dayago

Youareawesome.Grazzi!permalinkparent

Page 42: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 42/44

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 2 points 2days ago

Absolutely, I certainly didn'tmean to gloss over that. Imainly wanted to focus onflags common topolitical/militant Islamistgroups.permalink parent

[–] sorzer 2 points 2 days ago

Thank you for this!permalink

[–] ADF01FALKEN 2 points 2 days ago

Will you be putting this oneon/r/vexillology too?permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 2 points 2days ago

Just did.permalink parent

[–] ADF01FALKEN 1 point2 days ago

Great, thank you!permalink parent

[–] HankAuclair 2 points 2 days ago

I had a discussion with a friend aboutthis just the other day. Solid writeup,hope all is well in your end friend.permalink

[–] UlyssesGrant90 2 points 1 day ago

Thank youpermalink

Page 43: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 43/44

[–] KCisTall 2 points 1 day ago

Thanks Bud. I love the clarity youprovide that dispels the boogeymanof perceived scary flags in Islam inwestern society.permalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 1 point 1 dayago

Happily friend.permalink parent

[–] matrixtext 1 point 2 days ago

both their parentflag.svg/2000pxLogoof_the_Islamic_Front(Syria).svg.png)

You need to escape a few brackets inthe wikipedia link.permalink

[–] ShutUpWoodsie 1 point 2 days ago

Gildedpermalink

[–] [Voted Best and Worst Mod of 2015]LiesAboutKnowingYou [S] 1 point 2days ago

Hey, thanks!permalink parent

[–] ShutUpWoodsie 1 point 2days ago

No problem man :)permalink parent

about help apps & tools <3

Page 44: Green and Yellow Flags- The Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags _ Syriancivilwar

30/10/2015 Green and Yellow Flags the Symbolism of Shi'a Islamist Flags : syriancivilwar

https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/3qgazn/green_and_yellow_flags_the_symbolism_of_shia/ 44/44

blogaboutvaluesteamsource codeadvertisejobs

site rulesFAQwikireddiquettetransparencycontact us

Alien Blue iOS appreddit AMA appmobile betabuttons

reddit goldreddit storeredditgiftsreddit.tv

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. © 2015 reddit inc. All rights reserved.REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc.

π