And in this action is resemblance of the disbelievers, and blind following of them in their despicable customs, and deviating along with them in their extreme attitude towards their leaders and their ceremonies.

Question:

Is it permissible to stand up out of respect for any national anthem, or any national flag?

Answer

It is not permissible for the Muslim to stand up for any national anthem, nor any national flag out of respect. Rather, this is from the evil innovations which did not exist at the time of the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam), nor at the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (raḍī Allāhu ʿʿʿanhum). And this action negates the obligation of the completeness of Tawḥīd, and the purity of respect for Allāh alone, and it invites towards Shirk. And in this action is resemblance of the disbelievers, and blind following of them in their despicable customs, and deviating along with them in their extreme attitude towards their leaders and their ceremonies. Indeed the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) prohibited resembling them and emulating them. And the success is with Allāh. And may the Prayers and Peace be upon Muḥammad and his Family and his Companions.

The Standing Committee for Academic Research and Religious Verdicts:

President: ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Ibn ʿAbdullāh Ibn Bāz

Vice President: ʿAbd al-Razzāq ʿAfīfī

Member: ʿAbdullāh Ibn Ghudayyān

Member: ʿAbdullāh Ibn Quʿūd

Endnotes:

1. Fatāwá al-Lajnah al-Dāʿimah (1/2123). Translated by Maaz Qureshi