the crescent moon. why?

[Abdullah]

Originally Posted by LeoSalinas22

...i read an article on the 'net that the crescent moon represents some pre-islamic pagan moon goddess symbol that carried over or "mixed" with modern islam. also, that allah is an actual name to this so-called pagan goddess.

Such wild theories have no basis at all, and they are simmilar to the one's put forward by conspiracy theorists who try and associate all religions with pagan and alien worship. And I suspect that for a lot of people who make such allegations, envy of the Islamic concept of pure monothiesm plays a part in it.

The theory can be refuted simply on the basis that, a religion that has a pagan origin, can rarely adopt a form of monothiesm so pure as the Islamic one.

[Amica]

Salaam,

I can understand why the Muslim communities adopted the crescent as the symbol of Islaam (i.e. symbolic for the fast of the Month of Ramadan, lunar calendar, etc).
But, according to my own personal research, I found that the crescent and the star were actually ancient symbols of Ishtar, pagan diety. Ishtar, sources say, was female and the statues that represent her are seen in various cultures. Depending of where the star is positioned next to the crescent, Isthar may turn into the 'godess' of love, sex, marriage, etc. or into a warrior like lady.
Very interesting, no? I would like to find out who among Muslims made us believe crescent and star should symbolize Islaam? I read somewhere that the Turks before converting to Islaam, held high esteem for the crescent and the moon, and that is how the symbol was 'adopted' by the Muslims.
But, Muslims are not the only ones battling the 'symbol' issue. The cross itself has a very long history, much older than Christianity. Yet, today it strictly
symbolizes Christianity.
Perhaps it does not matter what we use to symbolize us, but our actions are the best way to portray us as communities.

[bob x]

But, according to my own personal research, I found...

Found where? You do not give any sources.

[17th Angel]

I know -some- believe Allah to be a pagan "moon god".... Perhaps the "crescent moon" helped them fuel this idea? From my thoughts though, The star/moon pre dates Islam? By quite an amount, thousands of years... I believe some in Asia used it in worship of the Sky/Sun/Moon gods... Also used in Greek and Carthaginian worshop of goddesses.... Tanit(Carth) Diana(Greek) It was also used in celebration by the Romans for defeating the goths on the first day of a Lunar month!

But anywho... How did it come to be a symbol of the Muslims? The first Muslims didn't have a symbol? Then During the times of Muhammad (ṣallā llahu ʿalayhi wa sallam ) They had solid flags? Green/White/Black.... And even later on the Muslim Community leaders continued to carry on with simple colour flags (no images/writing) The Ottoman Empire brought on the affilation of the star/crescent moon with the muslims..... 1453 the Turks conquered Istanbul (which was Constantinople) And they took the city's symbol/flag. It is legend that Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire had a dream where the moon stretched from one end of the Earth alllllll the way to the other. He took that as a good omen, so he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty... Also in the star... The five points, they were not "standard" on the Ottoman flags... They again are another part that has come with time over hundreds of years.... I also belive that the five points on the star represent the pillars of Islam? I haven't met any yet, but some items I am reading show that -many- Muslims reject the usage of the crescent moon as a symbol... I assume that is because the Islamic faith historically has had NO symbol... And, perhaps.. Going back to the very start of my post... Where I spoke of it being identified as a PAGAN symbol... That the christians used in a way to "attack" Islamic views and values... Then again something to ponder on.... Is it important to focus on symbols? What truly is important the message OR the front cover? Oh and yes.... I have been studying quite a bit over the weekend... before you ask lol...

maca salāma

[bob x]

From my thoughts though, The star/moon pre dates Islam? By quite an amount, thousands of years... I believe some in Asia used it in worship of the Sky/Sun/Moon gods... Also used in Greek and Carthaginian worshop of goddesses.... Tanit(Carth) Diana(Greek) It was also used in celebration by the Romans for defeating the goths on the first day of a Lunar month!

Again: sources, please? On this topic the web seems to be full of assertions which are just made up out of nothing; if these are based on some ancient text or inscription it would be nice to see them.

[17th Angel]

Get a history book?

Online sources I would suggest looking on the Wiki site that seems popular. I opened that and typed.... Crescent and got: Crescent - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Then I typed.... Crescent and star... (suprises there....) And it gave me this, Star and crescent - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Apart from that I cannot suggest any other -online- resources as I rarely use online resource.. Hope that helps some.....

---edit---
Also if you are interested in looking into the history behind the symbol I feel that should be placed in a new thread in Comparative Religion area no Islam area... But I found this link also for you to get started on..... ALLAH, the Moon God

maca salāma

[wil]

Originally Posted by 17th Angel

But anywho... How did it come to be a symbol of the Muslims? The first Muslims didn't have a symbol?

How did it become the symbol for Muslims. It seems the countries which flew the symbol of the Persian king were mostly Muslim. And over time it seems we outsiders attributed the two.

A number of years ago I was researching symbols of religions for discussion with kids. And in the process contacted Imam's and was presented with the story (no references bob) that Islam does not have a symbol, that the symbol of a Muslim is an individual who follows the five pillars. That they need no jewelry or indication, but by their actions you'll know they are Muslim. Praying five times a day, honoring the holidays, compassion for their fellow man, etc. (With that as an indication, it becomes quite obvious that those who sponsor terror are not Muslim.)

Supposed Christianity didn't have a symbol for the first few hundred years, and supposedly Constantine gave it to them....more conjecture from my reading though.

I'm wondering about symbolism in general. Initially prior to alphabets, symbols were the rage, and in today's marketing they are again. I don't know if for all time folks were wrapped up in having to brand something.

It is apparent to me that this thread was started to discredit Islam, see it has this pagan symbol.

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by wil

And in the process contacted Imam's and was presented with the story (no references bob) that Islam does not have a symbol, that the symbol of a Muslim is an individual who follows the five pillars.

*snickers* You're gonna upset him!!! Get your references in!

Originally Posted by wil

How did it become the symbol for Muslims. It seems the countries which flew the symbol of the Persian king were mostly Muslim. And over time it seems we outsiders attributed the two.

A number of years ago I was researching symbols of religions for discussion with kids. And in the process contacted Imam's and was presented with the story (no references bob) that Islam does not have a symbol, that the symbol of a Muslim is an individual who follows the five pillars. That they need no jewelry or indication, but by their actions you'll know they are Muslim. Praying five times a day, honoring the holidays, compassion for their fellow man, etc. (With that as an indication, it becomes quite obvious that those who sponsor terror are not Muslim.)

Acts are far better at representing what you stand for, than some symbol... Just my humble opinion...

Originally Posted by wil

It is apparent to me that this thread was started to discredit Islam, see it has this pagan symbol.

Yes that is totally my feeling behind it also.... Again if that is what people wish to do then, perhaps they should as I said take it to the other suitable forum area instead.... :\

You say folks get wrapped up in branding things? I kind of go on these lines, I think they wrap themselves up, into nice little packages... Then brand themselves... I have to belong.... I do belong... Either way.... EVERYONE -must- know that I belong via this symbol.... People are all sorts and all types to some their faith actions are the only thing they need... But, most of us are not that strong, and we ain't perfect.... So we have to -prove- to others... :| Strange eh? We've all been there though.....

maca salāma

[Lecter]

You can blame the turks for having this symbol associated with Islam today

However from a religious point of view this symbol means nothing at all. I mean I don't see a problem with using it per se, but unfortunately this sometimes confuses non Muslims who don't know much about Islam.

I just want to clarify that we don't wear that symbol around our necks nor do we hold it and rub it when we want to pray.

It means absolutely nothing from the Islamic point of view, but I guess countries had to pick something as their symbol. Actually if you do some research you'd find out that stars are used much more frequently than the crescent on the flags of Arab countries for example.