Debate Ignited: Should Saudi Arabia Change Its National Flag? Internet Divided
A recent announcement by Saudi Arabia regarding its participation in the Miss Universe Contest 2024 has sparked a heated debate across various social media platforms: Should Saudi Arabia change its national flag?
The current flag of Saudi Arabia is green in color and features a sword and an Arabic inscription, which is the Islamic creed or Kalimah: "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." The controversy surrounding the flag began when Rumy al Qahtani, a local model, shared images on Instagram announcing her participation in the 2024 Miss Universe Contest as Saudi Arabia’s official contestant. Some of these images depicted Rumy holding the Saudi National Flag, leading to accusations of offense and desecration of the Islamic creed.
Social media users quickly launched online polls to gauge public opinion on whether Saudi Arabia should change its flag. Responses were divided, with some advocating for a change due to perceived disrespect toward the Islamic creed, while others urged restraint, citing the flag's historical significance and national unity.
Faarees, an activist, expressed concern over the potential disrespect caused by associating the flag with immodest imagery, calling it a "disgrace to the entire Muslim Ummah." Similarly, Shuja, an Indian Muslim activist, emphasized the offense caused to Muslims worldwide.
However, not all opinions aligned with the call for change. Some argued that symbols such as flags hold deep cultural and historical significance and should be approached with careful consideration. Neha, a news and rights advocate, suggested that a flag change should reflect Saudi Arabia's evolving identity while honoring its heritage responsibly.
Amidst the debate, a Saudi national defended the current flag, highlighting its symbolism of unity, solidarity, and historical roots. This sentiment was echoed by others who rejected external interference in what they viewed as an internal matter.
While opinions on the flag varied, a majority of social media users, over 80%, expressed disapproval of Saudi Arabia's participation in the Miss Universe Contest.
This is not the first time demands for a flag change have surfaced. Similar controversies arose in 2022 during music concerts in Riyadh and Jeddah, and in 2018 over a viral video showing a girl dancing with the national flag during a football match. In response to such incidents, Saudi Arabia's Shoura Council amended laws to promote greater respect for national symbols.
Suggestions for a flag change were also made in anticipation of the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, when FIFA displayed football kits featuring flags, including the Arabic inscription found on the Saudi flag. These incidents reflect ongoing tensions between tradition, modernity, and cultural sensitivities in Saudi society.
The candidate has been seen continuously posting pictures with the Islamic Shahada Flag and Hijab on her social media, adding fuel to the fire where Muslims are already upset with the ongoing situation in Gaza and the coming of the anti-Christ.
Additionally, parents are not happy, as we will be the reason young children, especially girls, will take her as their role model in fashion and will make fun of wearing the Hijab by adopting the Hijab style worn by Rumy Alqahtani.
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The Muslim Umma throughout the world are dissatisfied withe the decision of the Saudi Authorities, permitting participation in the Miss Universe.Demoralising Islamic Principles and indignifying Saudi women. This is an act of Anti Islam
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