Saudi Arabia Is Not Removing the ‘Kalima’ From Its Flag
The Claim
Saudi Arabia plans to remove the ‘Kalima’ from its flag.
News posted on
Emerging story
Social media users have recently claimed that Saudi Arabia is planning to remove the ‘Kalima’, which defines the Islamic creed, from its national flag, according to reports. The allegation comes after several news outlets reported that the country would implement several changes to flag governing laws.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar's investigation revealed that the widely circulated claim is false. The Saudi government's changes will focus on the system that governs the use of the flag rather than its shape or content.
On Monday, the Shura Council approved the proposal to amend the national flag law, the kingdom's unelected consultative Council. After a majority of council members voted in favor of changes to the flag, emblem, and national anthem, the amendments were approved.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the amendment draft was submitted by Shura Council member Saad Al-Otaibi. It was based on Article (23) of the Shura Council system, which was reviewed by the Council's Security and Military Affairs Committee.
Al-Otaibi stated that he submitted the proposal for three reasons: to keep up with changes that support the goals of the 2030 Saudi Vision, to fill the legislative void caused by the absence of a system that defines the state anthem and separates the provisions related to it, and to establish the determinants and controls for the use of the state's emblem in all forums and events, as well as to specify the penalties to be applied in the event of a violation.
“The amendment will not affect the content and form of the flag, the emblem and the national anthem, but rather its system, to fill the legislative void, to update the controls for their use, and to determine the penalties to be applied in case of violation.” said the Saudi Anti-rumours commission.
Moreover, Ali M. Al-Asiri, head of the council’s security and military committee, also stressed to Arab News that the proposed amendment was designed to unify regulations regarding using the Kingdom’s flag, emblem, and national anthem.
