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

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.

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A green flag usually flies above the Imam Reza Shrine.

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.”