IRAN has raised its black flag above the Razavi Shrine in Mashhad.
Some social media users have wrongly claimed that the flag being hoisted is a call to war – but this is NOT the case as it is a symbol of mourning.
Why has the Imam Reza shrine in Iran raised the black flag?
On October 18, 2023, a black flag was raised in Iran’s Khorasan province above the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, which is a religious complex.
The black flag is NOT a call to war, instead, it is a symbol of mourning in Shia Islam
It has been hoisted as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people after Hamas made the highly disputed claim that an Israeli airstrike hit a hospital killing 500 people.
Israel later released reams of evidence alleging that a misfired rocket from Gaza hit the hospital's car park and may have killed dozens
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Following the strike, protests have erupted in various parts of the world, including Iran.
What is the Imam Reza Shrine?
The Imam Reza Shrine is a famous religious complex that holds immense significance for Twelver Shia Muslims and is a focal point for religious pilgrimage.
Also contained within the complex are the Goharshad Mosque, a museum, a library, four seminaries, a cemetery, the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, a dining hall for pilgrims, and vast prayer halls.
A green flag usually flies above the Imam Reza Shrine.
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Why is the 'Iran black flag' trending online and what have people said about it?
Contrary to misrepresented claims over social media, it does not represent a call to arms or conflict.
People have taken to Twitter/X to talk about the black flag being raised.
Although some have been confused, thinking it is calling for war, others have realised that it is a historic moment.
One tweeted: "Black flag files over the Imam Reza Mosque in Iran, for the first time in history. Significant!"
While another said: "The black flag raised in Iran is not a call for war. This flag is a symbol of mourning."
This one commented: "the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad raises the black flag in mourning for the martyrs and to condemn the Israeli Ma'madani Hospital massacre in Gaza"
This one tweeted: "A black flag symbolizes mourning and calling for all Muslims to Unite in a time of grief and suffering."
Another commented: "First time in the history, Black Flag Raised at the Imam Razaع Shrine Iran beside Muharram. Flag of grief and condolences is for the people of #Palestine"
This one said: "Black flag of mourning has been raised over Iman Reza Mosque."
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