1 of 6

Write now Article Tools

An observant Muslim would have some difficulty accepting the crescent and star symbol as a symbol of Islam. Since the Qur'an and hadith do not make mention of the symbols, and early Islam adopted no symbols at all for their faith, relying strictly on the injunction against idolatry, the use of such obviously pagan symbols was heretical.

The crescent moon is a pagan symbol. Constantinople adopted it as her flag because of the city's connection to Diana. Diana's symbol was the crescent moon. The worship of the moon and the lunar cults from Assyria, Egypt and Zoroastriansim, and even Ancient Greece and Rome, adopted the symbol universally, whereas Islam teaches that any symbol can be subverted into an idolatrous worship. Early Islam, and especially the armies under the Prophet's command, used flags for the purpose of military tactics and strategy, and not symbolism.

The star is even more problematic. As a symbol, the five pointed star, also called the pentalpha or pentagram, is an ancient and occult symbol. The Druze, regarded by traditional Muslims as pagans, adopt the star as a symbol. The Pythagoreans used the five-pointed star as a symbol of their cult. The mystic origins of the pentagram continue throughout European and Asain occultic practices from their Babylonian and Egyptian origins into even modern witchcraft and neo-pagan practices. Constantine adopted the five-pointed star as the Virgin Mary's star.

The star and crescent were adopted by the Ottoman empire. No one really knows why one of the Sultan's chose this symbol. Some speculate that it was adopted after the capture of Byzantium or Constantinople. Others believe in a spurious tale about a battle in which a sultan saw the crescent moon and star reflected in a pool of blood. Still others think that it comes from an Ottoman sultan's dream. Whatever the origin, the symbols became a part of the Ottoman empire's regalia and penetrated into the consciousness of the Muslim world.

Today, the crescent moon and star is nearly ubiquitous. Although modern apologeticists try to explain the connection with references to the five pillars of Islam or the dependence on the lunar calendar, such mental gymnastics are both unnecessary and insulting. God's injunction against idolatry and graven images would seem simple enough. To salute such a flag should rankle any Muslim's conscience.

Of course, tradition has equated the star and crescent with the Christian cross, especially in terms of humanitarian aid. Political flags still use the symbol. But it should not be associated with Islam at all. Islam, at its heart, is about submission to God's will. That isn't about symbols at all, but about truth and beauty and life.

Learn more about this author, John Devera.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Assessing the importance of the star and crescent symbols in Islam?
We want to hear your view. Write now!