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While the crescent moon and star are associated with several Muslim countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Comoros, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; earlier types during the time of the Prophet Muhammad simply flew the colors black, green and white on banners as identification of armies and caravans. However the official adoption of the crescent moon and star did not occur until 1453 when the Turks under the Ottoman Empire conquered Istanbul and adopted the cities flag.

Even though a dozen countries have officially adopted the crescent moon and star, many Muslims do not accept it even though allegedly the five points of the star represents the five pillars of Islam, an idea rooted in conjecture. One reason for it's rejection by many is its ancient connection to pagan religions.

The moon and its significance to ancient cultures and religious practices predates it's official acceptance into the ottoman empire by 3500 years when "Sin" the moon god was worshiped by Assyrians and Babylonians at their pantheons. "Sin" (moon) was also known as "Hubal" a.k.a. Lord of the "Kabah" or a holy building. This moon god was one of some say over 3500 gods worshiped in Arabia prior to Muhammad. To this day the "Hubal" adorns the tops of every mosques world wide as well as minarets in the "Kabah".

While the Koran speaks against moon worship in Koran 31:27: "Among His Sings are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore God, Who created them, if it is Him ye wish to serve." There are also indications that swearing by the moon and its worship was practiced during times of darkness. "I swear by the moon, and the night when it departs, And the daybreak when it shines; Surely it (hell) is one of the gravest (misfortunes)" (Koran 74:32)

But nay! I swear by the sunset redness, and the night and that which it drives on, And the moon when it grows full, that you shall most certainly enter one state after another. But what is the matter with them that they do not believe, And when the Qur'an is recited to them they do not make obeisance? (Koran 84:16)

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