- The Governor General of Canada
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Mohamed Mehboob Elahi
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag, with differences to Daniyal Masood Mehboob Elahi, Harris Mehboob Elahi and Nadia Parveen Elahi
February 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 146
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per saltire Gules and Vert, two double-pointed scimitars in saltire between in chief a fleam and in the base and each flank a trillium Or;
Crest
Two oak branches in saltire fructed Vert issuant from a coronet of a decrescent and mullets Or;
Motto
FAITH · UNITY · DISCIPLINE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Daniyal Masood Mehboob Elahi, child of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi
The Arms of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi debruised of a flame Or in place of the fleam during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Harris Mehboob Elahi, child of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi
The Arms of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi debruised of a shield Or in place of the fleam;
Differenced Arms for Nadia Parveen Elahi, child of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi
The Arms of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi debruised of a snowdrop flower slipped and leaved Or in place of the fleam;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and green are taken respectively from the national flags of Canada and of Pakistan, representing Dr. Elahi’s citizenship and ancestry. The two double-pointed scimitars represent Zulfiqar, a mythical sword that has become a symbol of Islam; they attest to Dr. Elahi’s faith. They also highlight his service in the reserves of the Canadian Armed Forces. The fleam—an ancient medical instrument used for bloodletting—indicates his medical career and that of several members of his family. The trillium is the emblematic flower of Ontario, his native province. The round shield is typical of Islamic armour in the Middle Ages.
Crest
The moon and stars are symbols of Islam, Dr. Elahi’s faith. The oak represents strength and endurance, and thus his experience in the military. Found in the arms of the University of Toronto and a symbol of wisdom, the oak also refers to his teaching at that institution and, more generally, to the importance of education. The cone-shaped helmet—called a turban helmet because of its ridges resembling a turban—was worn by Muslim soldiers in the Middle Ages.
Motto
FAITH · UNITY · DISCIPLINE.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Daniyal Masood Mehboob Elahi, child of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi
The flame alludes to the name Daniyal, which means “intelligent” in Arabic.
Differenced Arms for Harris Mehboob Elahi, child of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi
The shield alludes to the name Harris, a variant spelling of the name Haris, which means “guardian” in Arabic.
Differenced Arms for Nadia Parveen Elahi, child of Mohammed Mehboob Elahi
The snowdrop, a delicate flower that announces spring, alludes to the name Nadia, which means “delicate” in Arabic.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Luc Saucier
Recipient Information
Individual