Burn ISIS Flag Challenge: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

A new social media trend has swept the Arab world, adopting the virality of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Here’s what you need to know about the Burn ISIS Flag Challenge.


1. The Challenge Began in Beirut, Lebanon


According to Yahoo! News:

The trend started after three Lebanese youths posted pictures of them burning the flag associated with the militant group, also known as Islamic State, in the middle of Sassine Square in Beirut.

The youths decided to burn the ISIS flag, known as the Black Standard, in response to the ISIS beheading of two Lebanese soldiers.


2. The Trend Immediately Went Viral

Following the first #BurnISISFlagChallenge, it began to trend on Twitter.

Many individuals have taken part in the challenge, the majority of which reside in the Middle East.


3. You Nominate People

Just like in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, you nominate people to take part in the Burn ISIS Flag Challenge.


4. ISIS Has Yet to Respond

burn isis flag challenge

(Getty)


ISIS is known to be adept with their social media skills, but have yet to respond to the new fad with comment or violence.


5. Some Muslims Don’t Like It

Some Muslims are against the Burn ISIS Flag Challenge because of what the flag’s Arabic text translates to:

Allah is one and Muhammad is his messenger.

For some practitioners of Islam, burning such a statement, no matter the reason behind it, is considered blasphemous.

UPDATE: As many people are wondering where to buy an Islamic State flag to participate, the answer is that there are few if any IS flags available, especially in the West. A majority of the Burn ISIS Flag Challenge participants are printing out the flag on paper and burning it symbolically.