SYMBOLS OF FAITH AND IDENTITY: SEMIOTIC ANALYSES OF ISLAMIC SYMBOLISM IN THE FLAGS OF PAKISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

The national flag, anthem and emblem are the three symbols through which an independent country proclaims its identity and sovereignty. The study has conducted a semiotic analysis of Islamic symbolism in the national flags of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, exploring how visual symbols express religious identities and cultural values of nations. This study employs Saussure’s semiotic framework, the analysis examines the signifiers (physical object such as sounds, color, shape, and symbols) and signified (the meanings and values they represent) of each flag. Pakistani flag with its green field, white stripe, crescent and star represents its Islamic foundations, rights to minorities and progress of country. While Saudi Arabian flag with its green background, Shahada, and horizontal sword symbolizes the nation’s deep connection to Islam, and its commitment to Islamic law and governance.  The findings highlight how important symbols and designs are in shaping a country’s identity. Flags become more than just piece of cloth, they tell a story, representing a nation’s values, traditions, and dreams in a way that unites its people and communicates its essence to the world. Both flags represent nation’s identity and Islamic faith through visual representation of symbols on flags. By exploring the cultural, religious, and political narratives woven into these flags, this research shows how their symbols go beyond simple design.