The Royal Insignia of Morocco
An in-depth examination of the Order of Muhammad, the Kingdom's highest state decoration, detailing its structure, conferral, and distinguished recipients.
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Overview
| Order of Muhammad | |
|---|---|
|
Special class of the Order
|
|
| Awarded by The King of Morocco | |
| Established | 16 November 1956 |
| Royal house | Alaouite Dynasty |
| Religious affiliation | Islam |
| Ribbon | A decorative ribbon, typically worn around the neck or on the chest. |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Sovereign | King Mohammed VI |
| Grades | Special Class, 1st Class, 2nd Class |
A Symbol of Highest Esteem
The Order of Muhammad, also known as the Order of Sovereignty (Arabic: Wissam al-Mohammadi), stands as the preeminent state decoration within the Kingdom of Morocco. Instituted on November 16, 1956, by His Majesty King Mohammed V of Morocco, this prestigious award signifies the highest level of recognition and honor bestowed by the Moroccan monarchy.
Its establishment shortly after Morocco's independence underscores its significance in the nation's modern history, symbolizing the continuity of royal authority and the highest forms of state recognition. The Order's name and its association with the Prophet Muhammad imbue it with profound religious and cultural significance within the Kingdom. The Order is intrinsically linked to the Alaouite dynasty and the Islamic faith, reflecting the core tenets of Moroccan statehood.
Distinctions and Classes
Special Class
The Special Class represents the apex of the Order, reserved for monarchs and heads of state. Recipients are awarded a distinguished collar, intricately crafted with diamonds and rubies. The badge suspended from this collar is a gold star featuring ten points, with a surface adorned in green enamel. Its central disk prominently displays the Moroccan coat of arms. Notably, the badges for both the Special Class and the First Class are distinguished by an edged ring set with rubies and diamonds, further encircled by an additional 36 diamonds, signifying unparalleled prestige.
First Class
Holders of the First Class of the Order receive a badge designed as a star, embellished with precious stones. This insignia is worn prominently on the left chest, signifying a high degree of honor and recognition conferred by the Crown.
Second Class
The Second Class of the Order also features a star-shaped badge, though it is not adorned with gemstones. This award is also worn on the left chest and represents a significant honor within the Moroccan state's system of decorations.
Eligibility Criteria
Royal and State Dignitaries
The Order of Muhammad is primarily designated for members of the Moroccan royal family, as well as foreign monarchs, princes, princesses, and heads of state. This exclusivity ensures that the award is reserved for individuals of the highest standing and influence, reflecting the diplomatic and sovereign nature of the honor.
Exceptional Circumstances
While the Order's conferral is largely restricted to royalty and heads of state, the regulations permit its bestowal upon ordinary Moroccan citizens. However, this is subject to exceptional circumstances, implying that such awards are granted only for extraordinary service or contributions of immense national significance, making such instances exceedingly rare.
Distinguished Recipients
Special Class Recipients
The following is a list of notable individuals who have been awarded the Special Class of the Order of Muhammad:
2002
- Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Emir of Qatar.
2003
- Pervez Musharraf: President of Pakistan.
2004
- Ricardo Lagos: President of Chile.
2007
- Nicolas Sarkozy: President of the French Republic.
2008
- Akihito: Emperor of Japan.
2013
- Franรงois Hollande: President of the Republic of France.
- Alassane Ouattara: President of Cรดte d'Ivoire.
- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani: Emir of Qatar.
2014
- Ibrahim Boubacar Keรฏta: President of the Republic of Mali.
- Alpha Condรฉ: President of Guinea.
- Moncef Marzouki: President of the Republic of Tunisia.
- Felipe VI and Queen Letizia: Sovereigns of Spain.
2015
- Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
- Josรฉ Mario Vaz: President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
2016
- Paul Kagame: President of the Republic of Rwanda.
- Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: President of the Republic of Portugal.
- John Magufuli: President of Tanzania.
- Hery Rajaonarimampianina: President of the Republic of Madagascar.
2017
- Nana Akufo-Addo: President of the Republic of Ghana.
2021
- Donald Trump: President of the United States.
2024
- Emmanuel Macron: President of the French Republic.
Second Class Recipients
The Second Class has also been conferred upon distinguished individuals, including members of royalty and prominent figures:
2007
- Princess Lalla Aicha of Morocco.
- Princess Lalla Fatima Zahra bint Abdelaziz.
- Princess Lalla Lamia.
- Princess Lalla Amina of Morocco.
Undated (Likely historical or earlier periods)
- Haile Selassie: Emperor of Ethiopia.
- Albert II of Belgium.
- Queen Paola of Belgium.
- Hassanal Bolkiah: Sultan of Brunei.
- Jefri Bolkiah, Prince of Brunei.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower: President of the United States.
- Elizabeth II: Queen of the United Kingdom.
- Faisal II of Iraq.
- Hussein of Jordan: King of Jordan.
- Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa: King of Bahrain.
- Idris of Libya: King of Libya.
- Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan.
- Moza bint Nasser: Consort of the Emir of Qatar.
- Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: Shah of Iran.
- Juan Carlos I of Spain.
- Queen Sofรญa of Spain.
- Prince Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan.
Historical Context
Establishment and Significance
The Order of Muhammad was formally instituted on November 16, 1956, by King Mohammed V of Morocco. This act occurred during a period of significant transition for Morocco, shortly after regaining its independence. The creation of this highest state decoration served to formalize and institutionalize the highest level of honor that could be bestowed by the sovereign, reflecting the establishment of a modern Moroccan state while honoring its deep historical and royal traditions.
The Order's name and its association with the Prophet Muhammad imbue it with profound religious and cultural significance within the Kingdom. Its establishment by King Mohammed V, a revered monarch, further cemented its status as a symbol of national pride and royal authority.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice Regarding Historical Data
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or nuances.
This is not official state documentation or a substitute for professional historical or diplomatic consultation. The information provided herein should not be considered definitive or exhaustive. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source material, historical records and official decrees can be subject to interpretation and change.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Users are encouraged to consult official sources and academic research for comprehensive and up-to-date information on state decorations and Moroccan history.