Saudi Arabia Flag Meaning: Shahada, Sword & Why It Is Never Lowered
Saudi Arabia’s flag is green with the Islamic declaration of faith in white and a white sword beneath it. Because the Shahada is sacred, the flag follows unusually strict handling rules.
What is written on the Saudi flag?
The inscription is the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” It is written in white Thuluth script.
What does the sword mean?
Saudi official sources associate the sword with strength, justice, security, dignity and national unification.
What does green mean?
Saudi government sources describe green as representing growth and prosperity.
Why is the flag never lowered to half-mast?
Because the flag bears the Shahada, Saudi rules prohibit lowering it in ways considered disrespectful. Government sources state that it must not touch the ground or water and is not flown at half-mast.
What are the official proportions?
The 1973 flag bylaw specifies a rectangular flag whose width is two-thirds of its length, equivalent to a 2:3 proportion.
Why must both sides be readable?
The Shahada and sword are displayed so that the inscription remains correctly oriented and clearly visible on both sides rather than appearing simply mirrored.
When was the present design settled?
King Abdulaziz approved the modern arrangement with the sword beneath the Shahada on March 11, 1937. Detailed flag regulations followed in 1973.
Quick facts
| Field | Green |
|---|---|
| Text | Shahada |
| Other symbol | White sword |
| Ratio | 2:3 |
| Current arrangement | 1937 |
