Pronunciation: [blˈak stˈandəd] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "black standard" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced /blæk ˈstændəd/ following the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "a" in "black" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "a" in "standard" is pronounced like the "a" in "father." The "d" at the end of "standard" is also pronounced. "Black standard" refers to a black flag that is often used as a symbol by extremist groups.
The term "black standard" refers to a historical symbol associated with various Muslim dynasties and militant movements. Primarily used during the early medieval era, it originally symbolized the Abbasid Caliphate and was later adopted by other Muslim states and movements. The black standard consists of a usually black or dark-colored flag with specific Islamic inscriptions or symbols inscribed in white or another contrasting color.
As a symbol, the black standard represents the proclamation of jihad, referring to an ideological and religious struggle or campaign. The black color symbolizes courage, strength, and the potential for sacrifice in Islamic tradition. The inscription on the flag often includes phrases such as "La Ilaha Illallah Muhammad Rasul Allah", meaning "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger". The black standard is thus associated with Islamic militancy, the establishment or defense of Islamic states, and resistance against non-Islamic powers.
Modern-day extremist groups, such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, have adopted variations of the black standard as a symbol of their ideology. Their interpretation of the black standard promotes armed jihad and the establishment of a global Islamic state. However, it is important to note that the black standard and its associations with jihad and extremism are not representative of all Muslims or the entire Islamic faith.
The word "black standard" has two main components: "black" and "standard".
The term "black" comes from the Old English word "blæc", which evolved into Middle English as "blacke". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "blakaz", meaning "burnt". "Black" has been used to refer to the color black since the 14th century and has been associated with darkness, mourning, and death. In various cultures, the color black has different symbolic connotations, such as power, mystery, or rebellion.
The word "standard" has its roots in the Latin word "standārdum", which originally referred to a military battle flag carried by Roman legions. It derived from the verb "stāre", meaning "to stand". The standard served as a rallying point for soldiers and represented the power and identity of the legion.
