Sharʿi Ruling on Standing During Anthem or for Officials in a Ceremony
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith, Vol. 1, p. 537
Question:
In a special ceremony where officials are present, if a person stands during the anthem along with them — without believing in its Sharʿi validity — does this amount to kufr?
Similarly, what is the ruling on standing upon the arrival of officials?
Since in such situations we are often compelled, please clarify the permissibility or impermissibility of these actions, considering our compulsion.
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
As for whether kufr becomes necessary in this case — I do not know.
However, standing during the anthem — whether in the presence of officials or otherwise — has no basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
In fact, even the Friday khutbah — which includes the recitation of Allah’s words — is listened to while sitting.
The details of this issue have already been explained previously.
Hādhā mā ʿindī wallāhu aʿlam bis-ṣawāb.
