Bahrain's Flag: White Stripe's Meaning Explored

The flag of Bahrain has a distinctive design, featuring a white band on the left and a larger red band on the right, separated by five white triangles that serve as a serrated line. The white on the flag represents peace, specifically the peace treaty signed between the Arab countries and the British Empire in 1820. The red on the flag represents the traditional colour of the flags of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf and symbolises the Kharijite sect of the Islamic religion.

The white represents peace

The white on Bahrain's flag represents peace. The country's current flag was officially adopted on February 14, 2002, but the nation's flag has undergone several changes throughout its history. Before 1820, the flag featured a solid red background.

In 1820, Bahrain signed a general maritime treaty with the British Empire, after which a white stripe was added to the flag to signify the treaty and to distinguish it from the flags commonly used by pirates. The white stripe symbolised the peace established between the British and local Arab states.

The Bahrain flag changed again in 1932, when a serrated edge was added to differentiate it from its neighbours' flags. The serrated edge originally had 28 triangles, which were reduced to eight in 1972, and then to five in 2002. The five triangles now represent the five pillars of Islam.

The white on Bahrain's flag symbolises peace, while the red represents the traditional colour of the Khārijite sect of Islam, which controlled that part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The white was added to the flag in 1820

The white was added to Bahrain's flag in 1820 when the country signed a maritime treaty with the British Empire. The southern coast of the Persian Gulf had been characterised by extensive warfare and piracy for many centuries. In 1820, the British were successful in enforcing peace on the local Arab states. The General Treaty of Peace signed at that time provided that those territories on friendly terms with the United Kingdom should include a white border on the plain red flags they had previously flown. This was to distinguish them from the flags commonly used by pirates.

The red on the flag was chosen because it was the traditional colour of the Khārijite sect of Islam, which controlled that part of the Arabian Peninsula; white was a good contrasting colour. The white stripe was also added to the flag to specifically commemorate the treaty with Britain. The design remained unchanged for the next 112 years.

In 1932, a serrated edge was added to the flag to differentiate it from those of its neighbours. The flag originally had 28 white points, but this was reduced to eight in 1972 and then to five in 2002. The five points now represent the five pillars of Islam.

The white was added to commemorate a treaty with the British Empire

The flag of Bahrain is a simple design, with strong and bold colors; red and white. The colors themselves are symbolic and carry a lot of meaning. The white band, in particular, has a very specific and significant historical meaning, which is linked to the country's past and its relationship with the British Empire. The white was added to the flag to represent peace and to commemorate an important treaty with the British. This treaty, known as the 'Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Commerce', was signed in 1820 and marked a significant turning point in the history of Bahrain.

The treaty established a close and friendly relationship between Bahrain and the British Empire, which had a profound impact on the country's development and international standing. By adding the white band to the flag, the Bahraini leaders wanted to honor this agreement and the benefits it brought to the country. The white symbolized a new era of peace and prosperity, and it served as a constant reminder of the positive relationship between Bahrain and Britain. This era witnessed a significant transformation in Bahrain, with the country opening up to international trade and benefiting from the protection and support of the British Empire.

The white on the flag also represented a break from the past. Before the treaty, Bahrain had been involved in a number of conflicts and disputes with neighboring countries. The white band thus signaled a new direction for the country, one that prioritized peace and diplomacy over conflict. This shift in foreign policy was made possible by the treaty, which guaranteed Bahrain's security and stability, allowing it to focus on internal development and growth. The treaty was also a key factor in establishing Bahrain as a modern state and helped to shape its identity and position on the world stage.

Furthermore, the white on the flag can be seen as a symbol of Bahrain's commitment to international cooperation and its recognition of the benefits that can be derived from peaceful engagement with other nations. The treaty with the British Empire set a precedent for Bahrain's foreign policy, which has continued to prioritize strong diplomatic relations and peaceful coexistence. The country has maintained its reputation as a peaceful nation, and the white on its flag serves as a constant reminder of this commitment to peace and harmony in the region and beyond.

The number of triangles was reduced to five in 2002

The flag of Bahrain is made up of a white band on the left, separated from a red area on the right by five triangles that serve as a serrated line. The five triangles represent the five pillars of Islam, which are the basic guiding principles that Muslims are expected to live by to achieve a responsible and good life. These include:

• Shahadah, which represents the profession of faith: "There is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet."
• Salat, which indicates that Muslims must pray five times a day, reciting the Salat five times and facing the direction of Mecca.
• Zakat, which is the principle of almsgiving, requiring Muslims to share their wealth with those who are less fortunate.
• Saum, which states that Muslims should fast during the month of Ramadan, from dawn to dusk.
• Hajj, which dictates that those who are capable should make a pilgrimage to Mecca and its surrounding holy sites at least once in their lives.

The number of triangles on Bahrain's flag was changed to five in 2002 to align with this symbolism of the five pillars of Islam. Prior to this change, the flag featured eight triangles. The reduction in the number of triangles allowed for a clearer representation of the five pillars, with each triangle now clearly standing for one of the pillars. This change was made through a decree issued by the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on February 14, 2002.

The colours of the flag also hold symbolic value. The red colour represents the traditional colour of the Khārijite sect of Islam, which historically controlled that part of the Arabian Peninsula. It also symbolises the blood of martyrs and the battles of Bahrain. The white colour, on the other hand, represents peace and was added to the flag to signify the General Treaty of Peace signed with the British Empire in 1820. The white band was initially narrower, but it was widened to its current size to distinguish the flag from those of pirates and neighbouring countries.

The five triangles represent the five pillars of Islam

The white portion of Bahrain's flag holds symbolic significance, representing peace and light. Within this white field, there are five red triangles that point upward, arranged in a row, and these triangles symbolize the five pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental beliefs and practices of the Islamic faith.

The five triangles, or points, represent the five pillars of Islam, which are the framework for Muslim life and the foundation of Islamic society. These pillars are the testimony of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), giving to the needy (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Each triangle, therefore, serves as a reminder of these essential duties, which are obligatory for all Muslims.

The Shahada, or testimony of faith, is the first pillar and considered the most important. It is represented by the first triangle and expresses the fundamental belief in the oneness of God and the acceptance of Muhammad as God's prophet. This declaration of faith is recited in prayers and serves as a reminder to always keep faith at the center of one's life.

The second triangle symbolizes Salat, the obligation to pray five times a day while facing the Kaaba in Mecca. These prayers are a direct connection to God and a reminder of one's duties and beliefs. The third triangle stands for Zakat, which is the practice of giving a fixed proportion of one's wealth to the needy. This pillar promotes social justice and equality, ensuring that those in need are supported by the community.

The fourth triangle signifies the pillar of Sawm, which is the act of fasting during the month of Ramadan. This practice teaches self-discipline, patience, and empathy for those less fortunate, and it is intended to bring spiritual renewal and a closer connection to God. The final triangle represents Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim must strive to undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. This pillar symbolizes unity and the equality of all Muslims before God, as people from all walks of life come together in this spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the five red triangles on Bahrain's flag, set against the white field, serve as a powerful visual reminder of the five pillars of Islam, which form the basis of Muslim life and society. Each triangle represents a fundamental duty and belief, guiding Muslims in their daily lives and providing a sense of unity and purpose.

Frequently asked questions