Black Standard
In Shi'a Islam, the Black Standard is a messianic symbol linked to prophetic traditions. According to these traditions (hadith), Muhammad knew that His family would become abased in the future, and told them that justice would be restored when the people of the east (referring to Khorasan) would arise and carry black flags in a struggle against tyranny.[1]
This may be part of the reason why black was adopted as the color of the Abbasid dynasty, since the Abbasids sought to attract Shi`ite support in their efforts to overthrow the Umayyads.
Bábís flying the Black Standard[edit]
The Bábí leader Mullá Ḥusayn raised the Black Standard in his westward march from Mashhad starting July 21 1848 to proclaim the Báb's message. The people of Barfurush confronted the march and a series of battles ensued. The Bábís stopped and built the fort at the Shrine of Shaykh Tabarsi, which resulted in one of the most significant battles of the Bábí religion. It is reported the Black Standard flew above the fortress.
References[edit]
- ↑ Athamina, Khalil (Nov. 1989). "The Black Banners and the Socio-Political Significance of Flags and Slogans in Medieval Islam on JSTOR". Arabica: 307–326. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
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- Smith, Peter (2000). A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith. Oneworld Publications, (Sales and Editorial), 185 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7AR. ISBN 1-85168-184-1.
