The crescent moon and star is an internationally-recognized symbol of Islam. The symbol is featured on the flags of several Muslim countries whereas The Christians have the cross, the Jews have the star of David.
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?
Several Qs arise.
The crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years. Information on the origins of the symbol is difficult to ascertain.
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.
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.
A star and crescent combination symbol has been invented to represent primarily the Muslims, and secondarily and all organizations that would benefit from such an invention. Although the crescent and star does not have any religious significance or symbolism in Islam, it is desired that it be accepted as a public Muslim symbol.
ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) Secretary General Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed has said " This public display of the Muslim symbol alongside the symbols of Christianity and Judaism during the holiday season...is a much needed recognition, especially when other major religions and their roles in the lives of Americans are being acknowledged."
ISNA has clearly started that any Muslim "symbol has no religious significance and only represents a national Muslim identity."
However, the importance of these symbols which unite this ummah or a part of this ummah in particular region, can't be denied
