The correct answer is White. The history of Islamic banners began in earnest after the Migration (Hijrah) to Madinah, as the early Muslim community transitioned into a organized state. The first flag ever used in an official capacity by the Holy... Read More
The correct answer is White. The history of Islamic banners began in earnest after the Migration (Hijrah) to Madinah, as the early Muslim community transitioned into a organized state. The first flag ever used in an official capacity by the Holy Prophet (SAW) was white in color. In Arabic terminology, this primary flag was referred to as the "Liwa." Historically, it is recorded that during the first year of the Hijrah, the Prophet (SAW) entrusted a white banner to his uncle, Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA), for an expedition to Sif al-Bahr.
To understand the history of Islamic flags, one must distinguish between the Liwa and the Rayah. The Liwa (the white flag) served as the supreme commander's banner. It was typically tied to a spear and stayed with the leader of the army or the head of the state. Because of its white color, it symbolized peace, purity, and the high moral ground of the Islamic mission.
On the other hand, the Rayah (often referred to as al-Uqab) was a smaller black banner used by different units or battalions within the army. While the black flag gained significant fame during later battles—such as the Conquest of Makkah—the white banner remains historically recognized as the "First Flag" of the Islamic era.
The choice of white was deeply symbolic in the cultural context of 7th-century Arabia. White was a color associated with nobility and dignity. By adopting a plain white flag, the early Muslim state signaled a departure from the complex and often boastful tribal symbols of the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). It represented a unified identity under the banner of monotheism.
During the Battle of Badr, the first major conflict in Islamic history, the white flag was again present. It is noted in historical texts that the Prophet (SAW) had three banners on that day: two were black, but the "Grand Banner" (the Liwa) was white. This white flag was held by Mus'ab ibn Umayr (RA), who was chosen for his immense devotion and character.
As the Islamic empire expanded, different dynasties adopted specific colors to distinguish themselves. The Umayyads continued the use of white, while the Abbasids famously adopted black as their official color. Later, the Fatimids chose green, and the Ottomans utilized red and green. However, for students of early Seerah and Islamic history, the white flag remains the foundational standard.
Discussion
Leave a Comment