Saluting the flag, honoring officers, and shaving beards when in the army

Q 3: What is the ruling on saluting the flag, honoring officers, and shaving beards when in the army?

A: Saluting the flag is not permissible; it is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Anyone who does something in this matter of ours (the religion) that is not from it, it will be rejected. Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. However, honoring officers, or anybody else, by paying them their due respect without being excessive is permissible.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.