Islamic symbol?

Question

Is there an Islamic symbol? Christianity seems to favor the Cross, and Judaism is represented by the Star of David, but is there one for Islam? I've seen a green crescent with a star near the middle quite a bit, is that it?

Answer 1

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 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.

If people like whynotaskdon still insist on why the symbol is used by Muslims, I don't know what to say.

Answer 2

There is no islamic symbol per se, muslims have adopted the crescent bc muslims look for the crescent of the new month in occassions such as the beginning of Ramadan or Shwaal to begin and end fasting period (arabic year is a lunar year). Another islamic symbol is a green flag with a white writing of "La illah illa Allah, Muhammd Rasoo Allah" which translates into there is no God but God (Allah means god in arabic) and Muhammad is his messenger

Answer 3

yep thats it the crescent and the star is the islamic symbol, it's also on the flag!
However we wear something called a tahvees around our neck like the christians wear the cross, the tahvees is basically a paryer which is written on a piece of paper which is sewn in to a piece of leather or put inside a silver locket type thing, this protects muslims from evil etc some muslims wear a necklace with the numbers 786 written on it as this is the number of allah!

Answer 4

Awesome answer Mesum, and well-researched. I concur entirely.

Yeah, as you said, though, a lot of people don't believe in the use of an Islamic "symbol." The cresent moon is more of a "cultural" development.

Answer 5

The crescent and the green color are an islamic symbol...

Answer 6

I am eagerly awaiting the muslim answer to the CRESCENT MOON on flags, etc..

They just simply can not own up to the fact that the moon god
has been around the desert people for centuries before Mo rescued his Takrit Village god from the well and declared it as the god.

Answer 7

No there's not,

Why not ask don , go back to hell where you came from you know nothing about islam!!!!!

You live and thrive in this world and you don't think about the other world (after you die) get ready because your going to hell!!!!!

Answer 8

there is no special symbol but there could be some in different islamic countries or different cultures.

Answer 9

Yes, you're right. If only I knew what it is called...