“Alam” is an Arabic term which describes the faith flag. The word means signpost or standard. Alam also has a huge significance in Islamic warfare because it represents a particularly cause. It is also representative of the different tribes or current-day battalions that make up the army. The Alam is also carried by the commander in the middle of a battle. Raising the Alam on enemy grounds, regardless of the combat situation, means that the army has won.
After the Battle of Kerbala, there was a new interpretation linked to the term Alam, which is a symbol or copy of the holy banner of the grandson of Hazrat Imam Hussain, a Holy Prophet, who was killed together with 75 close relatives in the battle against Yazid. The battle’s aim was to bring back Islam into its original roots. Over the centuries, the Alam faith flag was set up in the houses of the followers of Imam Hussain as well as in apartments referred to as Ashurkhanas or the Imam Baras. It is given great respect and represents Hazrat Imam Hussain when he tried to uphold truth above all. The Alam may be given great respect but it is not worshipped by people.
The Abbas or Abbas Alam bardar or half-brother of Imam Hussain was provided the task of becoming the standard bearer of the flag in the battle of Kerbala. On the tenth of Muharram, the great man was martyred by the army of Yazid. This happened when he tried to get water from the Euphrates river. He guarded the banner until he was conquered by the opposing forces.