['Aalim Network QR] Colors of Islam

[Mahmood Kara <m.kara@utoronto.ca>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salam Alaikum

The following question was kindly answered by Dr. Takim. 

Mahmood Kara
Acting Moderator - The Alim Network

QUESTION:

>>>Salaam;
>>>Knowing that black is used by shia's and universally by mostly believers of
>>>God for consolation. That green is used by shia's in many occasions. Are
>>>there any records, stories, or arguments that could clear the picture and
>>>assure a "settlement" for queries on these two. Specially when raised by the
>>>Sunni brothers or non-believers of God ?
>>>White, yellow and red flags were also used in at least the invasions/wars
>>>era of the prophet (pbuh&hf), Imam Ali (as) and Imam Hosain (as). Imam Ali  
>>>(as) was known to wear yellow garment and fasten a yellow bandage around his
>>>his head in wars and at tough tims. Any views on why such choices were made ?
>>>Is it true that there were actual yellow, white and red lights emitted from
>>>Fatima Al Zahra -a- such that people would notice particulary the yellow 
light?
>>>
>>>regards..


ANSWER

Salaamun 'Alaykum


The color which the 'Alids (descendants of Imam Ali) wore frequently was
white or in some reports green. For example, the followers of Abu Saraya
(who led a revolt against the Ummayyads on behalf of the Alids) were called
the Mubayyida (the white ones) in reference to the standard of Imam 'Ali.

When al-Ma'mun asked Imam al-Rida to perform the Friday salat, he wore a
white turban and white clothes ('Uyun akhbar al-Rida !!, p. 49).


Similarly, to mark the festival when Imam al-Rida would be proclaimed as
Ma'mun's successor, the Imam wore a white cotton turban. (See al-Mufid,
Kitab al-Irshad p. 474)

On the other hand, to side with the 'Alids and get their support, al-Ma'mun
changed the color of the 'Abbasid emblem from black to green. When Imam
al-Rida was poisoned, he changed it back to black, the 'Abbasid emblem.
Al-Mufid also has reports which indicate that the Imam would publicly dress
in green.


In a long tradition related by Mufaddal b. 'Umar from Imam al-Sadiq, he
states that when our 12th Imam (A.S.) will re-appear in Mecca, he will wear
a yellow turban.


It would appear from most traditions that white (and in some reports green)
were frequently worn by the Imams as a badge of identity.


As for the traditions cited by you concerning the lady of the light, I have
not come across it. 


And Allah knows best

Liyakatali