Alam: The Sacred Flag

ALAM

ALAM

The Arabic word for flag is Alam, meaning signpost, or standard. Alam carries considerable importance in Islamic warfare as it represents a cause , a bearing for the exclusive identification of the various tribes or present day battalions that constitute the army and most importantly, the Alam is upheld by the commander in the middle of raging battle . Upholstering of Alam in enemy territory, with or without combat, signifies victory.

After the Battle of Kerbala (680 AD/61AH), a new interpretation was attached to the word Alam as an emblem or the copy of the Holy Banner of the grandson of the Holy Prophet , Hazrat Imam Hussain, who was martyred along with 75 close relatives in this battle against Yazid. The cause of the battle was to restore Islam in its true form.

Across centuries, the Alam is now installed in the houses of devotees of Imam Hussain, and also in separate apartments called Ashurkhanas or the Imam Baras and is honoured and respected as a token standard of Hazrat Imam Hussain in his fight against falsehood. Even though, the Alam is carried in high esteem, it is not worshipped.

Tradition has it, that Abbas, also known as (Abbas Alam bardar), the half brother of Imam Hussain was given the responsibility of being the standard bearer in the battle of Kerbala. On the tenth of Muharram he was martyred by Yazids army, in an attempt to fetch water from the Euphrates. The banner was then taken by Hazrat Imam Hussain who guarded it till the end of the battle but it was later plundered by the enemy forces. The banner was handed over to Bashir Bin Noman after the Imams family was released from captivity and left Damascus for Medina.

Green was the favorite color of the Holy Prophet , and so was the banner. However, the battle of Kerbala infused a new fervour and red colour symbolic of immense sacrifice, and black colour, symbolic of mourning, also began to be used and Alam started signifying a religious flag.

Every year on ninth and tenth Muharram, , Shiite muslims all over the world take out Alam,Zuljinnah and Taziyah processions to commemorate the remarkable sacrifice made by Imam Hussain to preserve Islam. The Muslim world, irrespective of religious sects and differences, are unanimous in their respect of this month.

by: Pak Window

POST COMMENT

What Do You Eat After Lap Band Surgery? - Nurse's Guide The Incredible Power Of Speeches Fly A Jet Fighter: Why you're safe when you are flying in a jet fighter as a non-pilot Linen - The What, The When And The Why What Are People Saying About Oklahoma? What Is A Snagging List? 5 Really Tough Questions Answered About Tvi! Finding First Birthday Party Supplies That Look Great and Cost Less Carhartt Shorts: What Causes it Unparalleled, Durable Liposuction May Make You Look Great, But What Can It Do To You Emotionally? What Not To Wear To Work What To Do When Mold Grows On Clothing Solution to TMJ Pain – What You Need to Know