Moroccan flag, meaning, colors and history

During the 20th century, while Morocco was under the rule of France and Spain, indigenous flag traditions were curtailed and even banned altogether. On November 17, 1915, the French introduced a change to the basic red flag that Moroccan ships had flown during the war with France. The ancient pentagram, known as the Seal or Pentacle of Solomon, was placed in the center of the design. In ancient societies, it was used in a variety of ways in a wide range of geographic and theological locations, and its implications were substantially different from the pentagram of today's flags, which was first popularized by the United States. After Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the green pentagram on a red field remained the national flag of Morocco.

Meaning of the flag of Morocco:

• The crimson background color of the Moroccan flag signifies the connection that exists between God and the nation it represents. In Morocco, the color red is a representation of power, courage, bravery and tenacity.
• The green color of the interlocking pentagram represents the seal of Solomon, which serves as a symbol of the Moroccan flag's connection to Islamic culture.
• The star represents knowledge, longevity and good health.

Each of the five points of the star of the Moroccan flag has a symbolic value; they are related to the five pillars of Islam, on which the life of a Muslim is built, and they are associated with the five responsibilities that every Muslim must fulfill.

The 5 points of the star mean:

1. Testimony certification:

It is the expression of religious belief. There is only one true God, and Muhammad is the messenger of him, according to the Arabic phrase "la Ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad Rasul Allah", which translates as "There is only one true God, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah". This is considered one of the most significant pillars of the religious system. The meaning is that a Muslim is declared by two witnesses and must also abandon idolatry and polytheism in order to be recognized as a member of the Muslim faith.

2. Prayer:

In addition to the prayer, the other point of the star of the Moroccan flag is represented by a crescent moon. There must be a direct line of communication between the individual and Allah, without the need for intermediaries. The believer must offer five daily prayers, to commemorate Solomon's vow of obedience and surrender before God. These prayers must be offered by a person who knows the Qur'an well and who has been selected by the whole community to lead them. These prayers can be performed inside mosques or in other places, but they should always be directed towards Mecca.

3. Alms:

On the Moroccan flag, this point represents the country's commitment to help those less fortunate. The capital of each believer is equal to 2.5 percent of his annual income, and this help is given to the poorest and most destitute among us.

4. Fasting:

The Moroccan flag is also used as a sign of fasting during the month of Ramadan, which occurs in the ninth month of the lunar calendar. This fast is a unique act of self-purification that encourages empathy with those who suffer from hunger, while helping to develop self-control. During this fast, Christians may not eat, drink, or have sexual intercourse. The fast is broken at sunset, so believing families wake up before the sun and eat their first meal.

5. Pilgrimage:

The pilgrimage to Mecca is represented by the final point of the star of the Moroccan national flag. Furthermore, all Christians who are physically and financially able to participate in this pilgrimage have a responsibility to do so. In Mecca the Irham is worn, which is little more than a two-piece white garment; the objective is thus to eliminate any distinction between believers based on their social class.

The history of the national flag of Morocco:

The original Moroccan flag, which belonged to the Idrisid dynasty, often known as the founders of the state, was raised in 788. It was the first flag flown in Morocco. This flag was nothing more than a blank white field.

It is difficult to trace the origins of the history of the Moroccan flag due to the numerous debates about the date of its creation, the identity of its designer and the early interpretation of its symbolism.

In fact, it is believed that the star of the national flag of Morocco had six points instead of the five that it has today in the initial edition of the flag.

When Morocco was under Spanish and French administration, the red flag could only be flown within the country's borders; it was forbidden to wave it at sea.

Currently, the Moroccan flag is completely red, with a green five-pointed star in the center, as in the past. This star was placed on the Moroccan flag by royal order in 1915, and since then it has been the official symbol of the country.

When the national holidays arrive and the country is filled with tourists, the Moroccan flag can be seen waving on public buildings and even on the streets.

Other flags of Morocco

Other forms of the flag of Morocco are the civil and the naval ensign.

The civil ensign is very similar to the official flag of Morocco, but with the addition of a yellow crown and a star of the same color in the upper left corner;
The naval flag is similar to the civil flag, but also includes a yellow crown and a star at each of its equators.

Some flags also used in Morocco are:

White flags. These flags were used in battles. They were made of white silk and each unit of 100 soldiers carried one. Unit leaders carried a white flag with the inscription "There is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet";

Royal Guard. The Moroccan flag of the Royal Guard is green and bears a yellow five-pointed star in the center, as well as a crescent moon and a white star in each of the corners;
If we are sure of something that distinguishes Morocco, it is its great history, not only of the Moroccan flag but of every corner of the country. We cannot ignore the warmth of its inhabitants.