Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considering amendments to the decree governing its national anthem and green flag, both of which display the Islamic declaration of faith, indicating that the kingdom is the birthplace of Islam.
According to state-run media, Saudi Arabia’s unelected Shura Council voted in favour of changes. This change comes as Saudi Arabia’s crown prince emphasizes national pride and Saudi nationality.
However, the changes favour amendments to the flag, slogan, and national anthem, but not to its content, reported state-linked media. Further details have not been released by the council.
During a time of rapid reforms in a country that was once ultraconservative, this proposal comes as no surprise. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been working to redefine Saudi identity by taking away pan-Islamism and replacing it with a national-cultural identity that goes beyond religion.