A video of Birmingham-based preacher Shaykh Asrar Rashid has gone viral again in recent days. In the short 32-second clip, the British-Pakistani scholar says the St George’s Cross on the England flag should be replaced. He calls it a reminder of crusader history and says it offends under Sharia rules. Rashid suggests a plain white flag with just the word “England” on it instead.
He also refers to Muslims in the UK as “settlers” who plan to stay long-term. The video seems to date back to around St George’s Day earlier this year. It has resurfaced amid ongoing talks about national symbols and integration.
Shaykh Asrar Rashid runs lectures and events in Birmingham. He follows a traditional Sunni Sufi path and often speaks on Islamic topics. Many know him from past debates and statements on politics or religion.
The St George’s Cross is a red cross on a white background. It has been linked to England since the Middle Ages. St George is the country’s patron saint. People fly the flag at football matches, on St George’s Day in April, and during national events. For many, it stands for pride in English identity.
Reactions to the video have been strong. Some call it disrespectful to British history and heritage. Others say it fuels debates about multiculturalism. A few point out that most British Muslims have no issue with the flag and join in celebrations.
This comes at a time when the St George’s Cross has been in the news more. Over the summer and autumn of 2025, campaigns like Operation Raise the Colours saw people putting up more flags in towns. Some viewed it as simple patriotism. Others linked it to concerns over immigration or far-right groups.
Rashid’s comments are his own views. Community leaders from different backgrounds often stress that the vast majority of Muslims in the UK feel part of the country. They wave the flag at sports events or local parades.
St George’s Day itself brings street parties, morris dancing, and dragon stories in some places. Schools teach about the saint’s legend. Pubs and homes display the cross without much fuss most years.
The clip spread fast on social media platforms. People shared it with comments on both sides. Some defended free speech for religious opinions. Others said symbols like this unite people and should stay unchanged.
Birmingham has a large Muslim population. It is home to diverse communities. Discussions about identity happen often there, from council meetings to everyday chats.
No official response has come from Rashid to the latest shares. His past talks cover a range of issues, from theology to current affairs.
England’s flag remains the same for now. It flies over buildings and stadiums. Debates like this show how symbols can mean different things to different groups.
Many just carry on enjoying the flag as part of life here. Football fans especially, with big games coming up. The conversation continues online and in person.
Stories about national symbols pop up from time to time. They reflect bigger questions about belonging in modern Britain. For most people, the flag stays a source of quiet pride.
