Mahdist with Flag--single figure--RETIRED. - LAST ONE!
$52.00

John Jenkins Designs - RETIRED COLLECTION

Item Number: SUD-03

Flags in the Mahdiyya served three main purposes. They were symbols of rank, and in the early days of the revolt the Mahdi conferred flags on those who were his leading Emirs and supporters. The word flag, “Rayya,” also came to mean a division or a body of troops under a commander. The Flags were also instruments of propaganda. Almost all flags carried the proclamation that the Mahdi was the successor to Muhammad. The standard inscription which was mainly on one side of the flag, was as follows:

“O God, O Merciful One, O Compassionate One,
“O Living One, O Subsisting One, O Lord of Majesty and Honour,
“There is no god but God. Muhammad is the Apostle of God.
“Muhammad al-Mahdi is the Successor of the Apostle of God.”

RETIRED.