Flag of Hezbollah | |
Adopted | (unknown) |
---|---|
Designed by | (unknown) |
Proportions | 2:3 |
The flag of Hezbollah is a yellow field with a stylized representation of the Arabic words حزب الله (ḥizbu-llāh), meaning "Party of God") in Kufic script. The first letter of "Allah" reaches up to grasp a stylized assault rifle. The flag incorporates several other symbols, namely a globe, a book, a sword, and a seven-leafed branch. The text above the logo reads فإن حزب الله هم الغالبون (fa-inna ḥizba llāhi humu al-ġālibūna), which translates into "Then surely the party of God are they that shall be triumphant" (Quran 5:56), which is a reference to the name of the party. Underneath the logo are the words المقاومة الإسلامية في لبنان (al-muqāwamah al-islāmīyah fī lubnān), translating to "The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon".
Symbolism[]
Yellow is the predominant color on the flag and forms the basis for its field. Whilst there is no reason given for this choice of colour, it has theorised that it may have been chosen to signify Hezbollah's willingness to fight for the sake of Allah and the Shi'a faith.
The reasoning behind the usage of the color green in the flag is more obvious. Green in Islamic symbolism is inextricably linked to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the color is mentioned numerous times within the Quran. As a traditionally Islamic color, the usage of green on the flag is an overtly political and explicitly religious statement.
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.
The rifle, which is a mix of the H&K G3 battle rifle and the AK-47, is simultaneously symbolic of the party's left-wing ideological routes, sharing in the iconography of similar armed socialist movements. The rifle also represents the Hezbollah's belief in an armed struggle against oppressive forces.
A globe can also be found depicted on the flag, symbolizing the Hezbollah's global activities. Also depicted are a seven-leafed branch and a Quran, further highlighting the groups ties to Islam.
Controversy[]
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. As a result, it is an offence to fly or display the flag of Hezbollah within these countries. The group has also been deemed as a terrorist organization by some countries.