The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked: Is it permissible to stand to show respect to any national anthem or flag?They replied:It is not permissible for the Muslim to stand out of respect for any national anthem or flag, rather this is a reprehensible innovation which was not known at the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or at the time of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs (may Allaah be pleased with them), and it is contrary to perfect Tawheed and sincere veneration of Allaah alone. It is also a means that leads to shirk and is an imitation of the kuffaar in their reprehensible customs, and following them in their exaggeration about their presidents and in their ceremonies. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade imitating them.And Allaah is the Source of strength; may Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (1/235).
Is this why Obama will not salute the American flag?
“I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”
Barack Obama (‘Audacity of Hope’)
I know this is old news (that Obama wouldn’t salute the flag) but I just discovered this plausible reason why. Obama has done a lot of strange things that have raised eyebrows and questions, but now we know he is Muslim, or leans that way. In that context, his actions make perfect sense.
