The black banner with the takbir phrase (the words “Allahu Akbar” or “God is great”) is a recognizable part of the Jaysh al-Mujahidin’s logo. The caption reads (from the top): “tahunu al-hayat wa-kull[un] yahunu wa-lakin islamuna la yahunu” (“life becomes contemptible and everything weakens, but our religion [lit. Islam] does not weaken”). This is a line from a famous jiahdist nashid (song). Nashid are frequently used in jihadist videos or are released directly onto the forums. This particular image is the signature for a forum user.

According to prophetic tradition (hadith), the black flag was the battle flag of the Prophet Muhammad and it was carried into battle by many of his companions.  In the contemporary Islamist movement, the black flag with the shahada (Islamic testimony of faith holding that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger) or takbir (the words “Allahu Akbar” or “God is great”) is used to evoke notions of jihad and of reestablishing the Islamic Caliphate.

 

More Information
Group Name Jaysh al-Mujahidin
Group Type Jihadist Group
Group Affiliation Local Jihad (Independent entities with limited or no ties to international / external movements)
Dominant Colors Red, Yellow
Secondary Colors Black
Language Arabic
Isolated Phrases / Mottoes / Slogans 1) Takbir 2) Tahunu al-hayat wa-kull[un] yahunu wa-lakin islamuna la yahunu
Image Number 0416
Groups Region of Operation Middle East
Groups Country of Operation Iraq
Date Image Created Online 30/05/2011
Date Image Created Online Details Appeared in a post from 5/30/2011 by a user who calls himself Abu Rim al-`Iraqi
Body Parts Blood
Air Analysis Sun. Red Sky
Air Celestial Bodies, Sky
Liquid Drops / Tear
Fire Light Rays / Light
Geopolitical Symbols Non-country Flag, Symbol of party, movement or company, Slogan
Geopolitical Analysis Black flag. Partial Jaysh al-Mujahidin logo -
Religious Textual References Takbir
Religious Symbols Black / White / Green Banners
Religious Symbols Analysis Black banner with text of takbir (the phrase Allah Akbar)
Flora Grass / Leaves / Branches Only
Topography Valley / Meadow, Horizon

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