 | |
| Proportion | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Design | A yellow field emblazoned with the logo of Hezbollah in green and Arabic text in red or green. |
The flag of theShi'a political and military organizationHezbollah depicts a stylized representation of the Arabic wordsحزب الله (Ḥizbullāh, meaning 'Party ofGod') inKufic script. Written near the first letter of the word Allah, there is a hand that reaches up to grasp a stylizedassault rifle.[1] The flag incorporates several other symbols, namely a globe, a book, a sword, and a seven-leafed branch. The text above the logo readsفإن حزب الله هم الغالبون (fa-inna ḥizba llāhi humu l-gālibūna) and means "Then surely the party ofGod are they that shall be triumphant" (Quran5:56), which is a reference to the name of the party. Underneath the logo are the wordsالمقاومة الإسلامية في لبنان (al-muqāwamah al-islāmīyah fī lubnān), meaning "The Islamic Resistance inLebanon".
Yellow is the predominant colour on the flag and forms the basis for itsfield. Whilst there is no reason given for this choice of colour, journalistTim Marshall has theorised that it may have been chosen to signify Hezbollah's willingness to fight for the sake ofAllah and theShi'a faith.[2]
The reasoning behind the usage of the colour green in the flag is more obvious.Green in Islamic symbolism is inextricably linked tothe Islamic prophet Muhammad and the colour is mentioned numerous times within theQuran.[3][4] As a traditionally Islamic colour, the usage of green on the flag is an overtly political and explicitly religious statement.[1]
Sometimes the text on the flag appears in red lettering. The usage of red in this case is used to symbolise the blood shed by those who fell for the cause of the organization.[5]
The symbolism of the fist grasping an assault rifle, which combines elements of theH&K G3 battle rifle and theAK-47, is twofold. The rifle is simultaneously symbolic of the party's left-wing ideological roots, sharing in the iconography of similar armed socialist movements.[2] The rifle also represents Hezbollah's belief in an armed struggle against oppressive forces.[1] However, opponents of Hezbollah interpret the inclusion of the rifle on the flag as proof that the group's aims are intrinsically tied with militant and violent action.[6]
A globe can also be found depicted on the flag, symbolizing Hezbollah's global activities.[2] Also depicted are a seven-leafed branch and a Quran, further highlighting the group's ties to Islam.[7]
The central text on the flag displays the organisation's name;حزب الله (ḥizbu-llāh) which translates to "Party of Allah".[1] The 'Alif' (first letter in the wordAllah on the flag) extends upwards to form the fist which clenches the assault rifle.
Above the central text is found an Islamic quote (Quran5:56) فإن حزب الله هم الغالبون . This translates to "Then surely the party of Allah are they that shall be triumphant" in reference to the party itself.[7]
The text below the central text statesالمقاومة الإسلامية في لبنان which translates to "The Islamic Resistance inLebanon", which serves to promote the image of the group's cause as legitimate and righteous.[7]
Initially, Hezbollah operated under theflag of Iran as this was viewed by supporters as the flag of Islam, specifically of theShia sect.[8] The flag of Hezbollah first saw usage in the late 1980s and early 1990s, often being displayed alongside the Iranian flag.[9]
Changes made to the flag of Hezbollah reflect the changing ideology of the party in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The two pillars of Hezbollah's ideology in the 1990s focused on an armed struggle againstIsrael twinned with the aim of establishing anIslamic republic inLebanon. Referencing the latter goal, the text on the flag below the logo translated to "The Islamic Revolution in Lebanon" before 2001.[10] Yet this changed in 2001 following the reversal of a policy of hostility towards Lebanon.[11] The text was instead changed to "The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon" in order to more strongly emphasize Hezbollah's opposition towardsIsrael.[10][9]
The flag has remained unchanged since the early 2000s and has grown to become a globally recognised symbol of Hezbollah, yet also one representative ofIslamic extremism.[1]
Predominantly the flag of Hezbollah is flown by supporters and fighters of the organisation throughout theMiddle East, specifically within Lebanon. The flag has recently seen extensive use byHezbollah supporters fighting in theSyrian Civil War.[12] Internationally, the flag can be found flying at Islamic demonstrations. Notably the flag is often seen during pro-Palestinian protests, such as those held duringAl-Quds day.[13][14]
Hezbollah's flag also has a more symbolic use. The flag can often be seen draped over the coffins of deceased members of the organization, attempting to evoke a sense of martyrdom for the cause.[15][16]
The flag of Hezbollah has often caused controversy within some western countries. Both the military and political wings of Hezbollah have been banned in a number of countries.[17][18][19]
In theUnited Kingdom, only the military wing of Hezbollah was listed as a proscribed organisation by theHome Office in 2008 whilst the political wing remained unbanned.[20] This created a legal loophole which allowed supporters to fly the flag at demonstrations and protests throughout Britain as the flag was an official symbol of both wings. The flag could be found at protests such as at the annualAl-Quds day demonstrations and was deemed offensive by a number of groups, especiallyBritain's Jewish community.[6] In March 2019, the decision was made byHome SecretarySajid Javid to include Hezbollah's political wing on the list of proscribed terrorist organisations, outlawing the flying of the flag in Britain.[21][20][22]
TheFirst Amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteesfreedom of speech, includinghate speech, limiting the government's authority to suppress it,[23] this flag is flown by Hezbollah supporters in theUnited States, despite the fact that the entire group is listed as a terrorist organization. One example was during demonstrations inNew York City in April 2024 during theongoing protests against theGaza war.[24][25]
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