What Is the Ruling on Standing for the National Anthem?
Question
What is the ruling on standing for the national anthem?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This issue requires careful distinction between respectful civic custom and religious veneration, as well as between outward conduct and inner intention, especially for Muslims living as minorities.
1. The Shar‘i Context
In Islam, acts of worship and veneration are strictly regulated. Any act that resembles religious devotion, exaltation, or ritual reverence must be directed to Allah alone.
Allah says:
“And whoever exalts the symbols of Allah, indeed that is from the piety of hearts.”
Surat al Hajj 22:32
Standing, bowing, or other physical gestures become problematic only when they are connected to ta’zim ta‘abbudi (religious veneration) or resemble acts of worship.
2. The Prophetic Guidance on Standing
The Prophet discouraged standing for people in a manner resembling exaltation or pride.
He said:
“Whoever likes people to stand for him, let him take his seat in the Fire.”
Reported by Abu Dawud and others
However, the scholars clarified that this prohibition applies to standing as an act of self-glorification or religious-style honor, not to ordinary social customs.
It is also authentically reported that the Prophet allowed standing for Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh when he came to judge Banu Qurayzah, which shows that standing in itself is not absolutely prohibited, but judged by context and intent.
3. Standing for the National Anthem as a Civic Custom
Standing for the national anthem is generally understood as:
- A civic or cultural custom
- An expression of respect for the country or public order
- Not an act of worship
- Not an act of religious devotion
There is no bowing, prostration, or verbal glorification that resembles worship. Nor is there belief that the anthem or flag has divine status.
Therefore, standing in this context is customary respect, not religious veneration.
4. Intention and Distinction From Prohibited Ta‘zim
The ruling changes if standing is done with:
- Religious devotion
- Exaltation similar to acts of worship
In such a case, it would be impermissible.
But when standing is done:
- Out of civic compliance
- To avoid social harm or conflict
- Without belief of sanctity or worship
then it does not fall under prohibited ta‘zim.
5. Relevant Usul Principle
الأمور بمقاصدها
Matters are judged by their intentions.
العادة محكمة
Custom is authoritative in determining rulings.
Standing for the anthem is judged according to its customary meaning, not by isolated outward resemblance.
Final Ruling
Standing for the national anthem is permissible when it is understood and intended as a civic custom or social respect, not as an act of worship or religious veneration.
For Muslims living in non-Muslim societies, standing for the national anthem to comply with public norms, or maintain social order is allowed, provided the heart remains free from prohibited ta‘zim.
And Allah knows best.