Man hangs flag associated with ISIS outside his home, sparking concern



GARWOOD, N.J. -- A black flag with an Islamic message outside of a man's home in New Jersey has neighbors worried, PIX 11 reports.

Neighbors said they were concerned because the flag is sometimes associated with ISIS, an Islamic extremist group responsible for violence in Iraq.

The station confirmed that the flag was on display at the home for at least three weeks before it was removed.

Neighbors want to know why the flag was ever flown there. Some even called police after this photo was posted on Twitter.



The man told NJ.com that he has flown the flag outside his home during Ramadan and on Fridays for about 10 years. It has never been a problem, he said, until a photo of it was posted to Twitter on Tuesday.

“I understand now that people turn on CNN and see the flag associated with jihad, but that’s not the intention of that flag at all,” he told the website. The man explained that the writing on the flag reads, “There is only one god, Allah, and the prophet Muhammad is his messenger.”

“It’s not meant to be a symbol of hate. Islam is all about unity and peace. I am not a part of any group like that, and I’m not anti-American. I love my country, but I am a Muslim,” he said.

The man says he’s hesitant to fly the flag now because of all the controversy.

“I would love to fly it again on Friday. I hope this situation goes away,” he said.