The Jordanian Flag and the National Anthem
Flag Description
The Jordanian flag, in its current form, was endorsed in 1922. It is inspired, in colours and form, by the Great Arab Revolt banner. At the suggestion of Jordan’s Arab Army officers, the colour arrangement was changed, with the white stripe being placed in the middle to be visible from afar. The flag’s colours and the heptagram symbolise the following:
- Black (from top): The Oqab (eagle) banner, which was the flag of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the flag of the Abbasid state.
- White (centre): The Umayyad state’s flag.
- Green (bottom): The flag of the Fatimid state, in reference to the green of the Prophet’s jubba (overcoat).
- Red (the chevron): The banner of the Hashemites since the time of Sharif Abu Nami.
- White heptagram: Symbolises the seven verses of Surat Al Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Holy Quran.
National Anthem
In 1946, the National Anthem was written by the late Abdul Munim Rifai, a renowned Jordanian poet who later served as prime minister. Abdul Qader Tannir composed the music.
Long live the King! Long live the King, His rank exalted, His flags flying high, In sublimity.
We realised our aspirations, When you regenerated for us A renaissance that motivates us, A renaissance that towers Above the high, rising stars.
O King of the Arabs, You are greatly honoured By being a descendent of The best Prophet, A great lineage That all major books spoke of.
The glorified youth Are your devoted soldiers. Their resolve will never subside And die away, Because from you, They learn perseverance.
O King of the Arabs, You are greatly honoured By being a descendent of The best Prophet, A great lineage That all major books spoke of.
May you always be A light, a guide And a master among people, Delighted and exalted. And under your flags, The glory of the Arabs Rises high.
O King of the Arabs, You are greatly honoured By being a descendent of The best Prophet, A great lineage That all major books spoke of.