13 Aug The Flag of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.): Awaiting the Triumph of Divine Justice
- A flag is a powerful symbol of a nation, embodying the spirit and unity of its people. Despite being lifeless, it commands profound respect and inspires bravery and sacrifice.
Throughout history, flags have been used to represent different cultures and nations. In Islam, the significance of a flag is profound. Terms such as ‘Ra’yah’, ‘Liwaa’, and ‘Alam’ are used in Arabic to describe flags, with ‘Ra’yah’ referring to a big flag owned by a warrior, indicating the beginning and end of a war (Majma al-Bahrain, vol. 1, p. 199).
The first flag in history was made by Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), as narrated by Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S) (Tehzeeb al-Ahkaam, vol. 1, p. 170). The flag of truth, however, belongs only to the divine proof, distinguishing itself from all others. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S) stated: “The flag of truth and guidance is with us, one who goes ahead of it will be deviated, one who forsakes it will become extinct, and the one who holds fast unto it receives guidance” (Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 34, p. 262).
The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.A) proclaimed: “Tomorrow I shall hand over the flag to a man whom Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.A) love, and he also loves Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.A) equally. He is neither coward nor will he flee the battlefield, and Allah will grant victory through his hands” (Kitaab Sulaym, vol. 2, p. 641). This statement highlights that the flag bearer in Islam is specific to Ahle Bait (A.S).
The flag has always been with the rightful Imams, passing from Ameerul Momineen (A.S) to Imam Hasan (A.S) and Imam Husain (A.S). In the Battle of Karbala, Imam Husain (A.S) entrusted the flag to Hazrat Abul Fazl al-Abbas (A.S), who, despite his martyrdom, kept the flag high.
The ultimate honor of bearing this flag belongs to Imam Mahdi (A.T.F.S), the promised savior who will fill the world with justice and equity. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) foretold: “After me shall be my twelve successors, the last of whom shall be the promised Mahdi, the Qaem (A.T.F.S). And only he shall fill this world with justice and equity like it would be fraught with injustice and tyranny.”
Imam Mahdi (A.T.F.S.) upon his reappearance (may Allah hasten it), will unfurl this flag, not only symbolizing the triumph of divine justice and truth, but will practically establish it uniting mankind under its banner.