Alam (flag) and the Panja (hand)

By Dr. Maulana Sakhawat Hussain Sandralvi

Existence of Alam (the flag) can be traced back to the times of Hazarat Adam (A.S). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had his own Alam that was later given to Imam Ali (A.S) at battle of Khyber. Alams varied in colours in different eras, sometimes white, and at other, green.

The colour of Alam of Karbala was changed to black, upon return of prisoners from Damascus after the events of Karbala. The Alam on the tomb of Imam Hussain is in red colour symbolising the awaited retribution of killing of Imam Hussain and his companions.

The Shabih (icon) of Alam of Hazarat Abbas (A.S) is Sunnah of 4th Imam and Bibi Zainab. Since both hands of Hazarat Abbas were cut off by the enemy while protecting the Alam of Islam. Therefore, Shia install 'Panja' (the symbol of hand) on top of black Alam to memorize the helping hand of Ghazi Abbas. Shia take this as being under constant supervision and protection of Ghazi Abbas Alamdar.