THE CRESCENTMOON SYMBOL

[Modesty]

THE CRESCENT IS NOT A SYMBOL OF ISLAM!!!

 

"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 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."

[Modesty]

Note to the above: WHEN IT SAYS 'THE FOLLOWING PAGE' THERE IS NO OTHER PAGE, THE WEBSITE JUST SAYS THAT, BUT THE MAIN POINT IS THAT THE CRESCENT IS NOT A SYMBOL OF ISLAM!

 

PEACE''

[StarGazer]

Interesting...I've always wondered about it. Thnx.

[SomeAlien]

well it kind of is now, isnt it? i mean the swastika used to be and still is regarded as a peaceful sign belonging to budhists, but since hitler used it, its a symbol of hate and oppression. skin heads, kkk, and other white supremacist groups use it even though it pre-dates their hate. its called re-appropriation. for over 500 years muslims have been using it, changing its original purpose, and claiming ownership, and to the rest of the world, it kind of identifies them, just like the swastika... i dont know where im going with this. bye.

[LuCkY]

Huh...Now i know.Thnx for sharing.

[Modesty]

Somalien- Alot of muslim countries don't use the crescent moon symbol, Saudi Arabia for example uses the Shahadah, and on the flag of Iraq it says Allahu Akbar. Although, the crescent is known as a symbol of Islam throughout the world, its an innovation. I believe the true symbol(s) of Islam is the Quran, our dress, our masjids, and so on.