Crescent
Moon: Symbol of Islam?
The
crescent moon and star is an internationally-recognized symbol of the faith of
Islam. The symbol is featured on the flags of several Muslim countries, and is even part of the official emblem
for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The Christians have the cross, the Jews have the star of David, and the Muslims
have the crescent moon, right?
What is the history behind the crescent moon symbol? What does it symbolize or mean? How and when did it become associated with the faith of Islam? Is it a valid symbol for the faith?
The
crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand
years. Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to
ascertain, but most sources agree that these ancient celestial symbols were in
use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon,
and sky gods. There are also reports that the crescent moon and star were
used to represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana.
The city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul) adopted the crescent moon symbol. According to some reports, they chose it in honor of the goddess Diana. Others indicate that it dates back to a battle in which the Romans defeated the Goths on the first day of a lunar month. In any event, the crescent moon was featured on the city's flag even before the birth of Christ.
The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islamic armies and caravans flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes. In later generations, the Muslim leaders continued to use a simple black, white, or green flag with no markings, writing, or symbolism on it.
It wasn't until the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world. When the Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city's existing flag and symbol. Legend holds that the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other. Taking this as a good omen, he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty. There is speculation that the five points on the star represent the the five pillars of Islam , but this is pure conjecture. The five points were not standard on the Ottoman flags, and as you will see on the following page, it is still not standard on flags used in the Muslim world today.
For hundreds of years, the Ottoman Empire ruled over the Muslim world. After centuries of battle with Christian Europe, it is understandable how the symbols of this empire became linked in people's minds with the faith of Islam as a whole.
Based
on this history, many Muslims reject using the crescent moon as a symbol of
Islam. The faith of Islam has historically had no symbol, and many refuse
to accept what is essentially an ancient pagan icon. It is certainly not
in uniform use among Muslims.
During
the Byzantine Empire, the city of Byzantium (a.k.a. Constantinople and Istanbul)
was dedicated to Diana, goddess of the hunt. The crescent was the symbol of
Diana. In 330 CE, Constantine rededicated the city to the virgin Mary, whose
star symbol was added to the previous crescent. When the Turks took possession
of Byzantium, they found lots of crescent flags and adopted it as a symbol of
good omen. In 339 BC, Philip of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) was
thwarted from overtaking the city of Byzantium because his army was spotted due
to a bright crescent moon.
"The
star and crescent" was first hoisted on behalf of the Muslims by Mahomet II
after the capture of Constantinople in 1453 CE. Prior to that, it was common on
the arm of knight and esquires. A star within a crescent was a badge of Richard
I, 250 years before Constantinople fell. They quit using it when it became the
banner of Muslims. It has been used more and more ever since by Muslims in a way
to identify themselves. Sultan Othman, founder of the Ottoman empire, had a
dream of crescent moon growing bigger and bigger until it reached East to West.
Banners
or flags are what people customarily unite around or behind. It may or may not
represent some characteristic about them. The twelve tribes of Israel, for
example, each had it's own banner or symbol, e.g. 'The Lion of Judah,' etc. An
insignia could represent one's cause, philosophy, belief or attitude; whether
religious or secular. The colour and the symbol's use on national flags is also
most interesting. Red is the Ottomon (Turkish) colour and thus, a star and
crescent on a field of red. In Mauritania, green stands for prosperity and hope.
The star represents the people. On the Pakistani flag, the crescent is for
progress and the star for enlightenment.
