Is Saudi Arabia planning to change its flag?

Following the amendment to the Saudi Flag Law, many are predicting that لآ اِلَهَ اِلّا اللّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُوُل اللّهِ  will be removed from the flag. So, what is the truth?

Saudi Arabia’s flag contains the Arabic inscription لآ اِلَهَ اِلّا اللّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُوُل اللّهِ “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is the messenger Messenger of Allah.” Saudi Arabia’s flag is green, with a white sword above the words.

There will be no alterations to the Saudi Arabian flag as a result of the amendments agreed by the Saudi Shura Council. The Kingdom’s flag, content, and emblem will remain unchanged.

The amendments shall help in protecting the flag and the anthem from “harming, tampering and changes”.Saad Al Otaibi, a Shura member, has confirmed this.

Major Amendments in Saudi Flag Law

• He also explained in an interview that the new regulations specify where and when the flag should be hoisted.
• The state emblem and national anthem, as well as when they shall be played, are also specified.
• When it comes to hoisting the flag, the private sector has complete freedom to do so. They must first obtain a permission, which will contain regulations such as the shape and size of the flag. This will verify that all flags used by the private sector adhere to the regulations.
• Al Otaibi further stated that the state’s basic legislation of governance, which was established 50 years ago, does not include any requirements for the national anthem.

Saudi Arabia’s public prosecution has also pledged the flag’s protection, stating that anyone who insults it faces a year in prison or a fine of up to SR 3,000, or both.

Source: Gulf News