Maajid Nawaz Instagram – A black flag is raised over Imam Reza shrine in Iran for first time. Symbolism in Islamic historic tradition: “When the black flags come from Khorasan (Persia/Central Asia) go to them, even if you have to crawl on snow, among them is the Caliph of Allah, the Mahdi” ‏عن عبد الله قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا أقبلت الرايات السود من خراسان فائتوها فإن فيها خليفة الله المهدي ‏Abd Allah b. Mas’ud The black flag is not usually raised above Imam Reza shrine outside of Muharram in mourning of the Prophet’s grandsons as a sacred ritual It was raised – exceptionally – after Soleimani, and now for the first time.