Riyadh, March 10, 2023 , SPA — The national flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a symbol of strength, sovereignty, and national unity since the foundation of the Kingdom in 1727. For nearly three centuries, the flag has been a beacon, haven, banner, and testimony of the unification campaigns that the Saudi state has undergone.
The history of Saudi Arabia’s flag dates back to the banner of Imams of the first Saudi state, who founded the state and unified its territories. The banner was green in color with the writing “There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah” and was held on a wooden pole or pillar.
The flag maintained these specifications during the reign of the first and the second Saudi state. Two crossed swords were added to the flag during King Abdulaziz’s reign, at a pivotal phase and led to the unification of the country, security, and welfare.
At a later stage, the two swords were replaced by a sword at the top, before the sword was put under the phrase “There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah” until the shape of the flag settled to what it is now so that it contains the word of monotheism and with a drawn sword under.
The shape of the flag, its coordination, and its components were collectively inherited until the Shura Council extended a recommendation to King Abdulaziz who approved the final shape on March 11, 1937 AD ( Dhu al-Hijjah 27, 1355 AH). The Saudi Flag bylaw was issued in 1393 AH / 1973 AD and stipulated that the flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia be rectangular in shape, its width equal to two-thirds of its length, and its color is green, extending from the mast to the end of the flag, and in the middle of it is the word “There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah,” with a drawn sword parallel to it below. Its grip is directed to the lowest part of the flag. The word of monotheism and the sword are drawn in white, clearly visible on both sides, and written in Thuluth script. The base of the flag is placed in the middle of the width of the word of monotheism and the sword is at a length equal to three-quarters of the drawing of the testimony of monotheism at an equal distance from both sides.
Each of the colors and slogans has deep connotations. The green color symbolizes growth and fertile soil, the white color is a symbol of peace and purity, and the sword symbolizes justice and security. This symbolism of the sword has Arab roots and represents Arab nobility and virility. The word monotheism is proof of the oneness of Allah and the application of His Sharia (Islamic law) on the sound methodology on which the Kingdom was founded and has followed through its three stages of formation.
The Saudi flag is unique among the flags of the world and has special characteristics that bestow on it an aura of awe, reverence, and glorification. It is prohibited to wrap the flag on the bodies of dead kings and leaders, nor is it lowered at half-mast on occasions of grief, and it does not bow to senior guests when reviewing the guard of honor. When it is necessary to do so in cases of mourning, the flag is raised upside down by placing it in the middle of the column, devoid of the word of monotheism during the period specified for this purpose. It is prohibited to be used as a trademark or for advertising as it would undermine its prestige.
Even on official holidays, the national flag is raised atop all government buildings and public institutions inside the Kingdom, in its representatives abroad, and can be flown only when in good shape and in accordance with international protocol. The flag is prohibited for use while in poor condition. If its color has faded or if the flag is about to be damaged, it is sent to the official authorities to burn in a specific procedural manner.
The Saudi flag has always flown high and continues to do so today. It has a unique and special meaning that sets it apart from other flags because it symbolizes the fundamentals of the faith and the country, the environment and the land, and the unity that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents for on the Arabian Peninsula.
Emanating from the belief of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH the Crown Prince that the flag has great significance as a manifestation of the Saudi state, its strength, and sovereignty and is a symbol of cohesion, harmony, and national unity, a Royal Decree was issued on Sha’aban 09, 1444 AH corresponding to March 01, 2023, dedicating March 11 of every year to be a special day to commemorate the flag under the name “The Flag Day”, because Dhu al-Hijjah 27, 1355 AH, corresponding to March 11, 1937, was the day the Founder, late King Abdulaziz, endorsed the flag in the form seen today fluttering with its great connotations that refer to monotheism, justice, strength, development, and prosperity.
Source: Saudi Press Agency