What does the Crescent stand for ????

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Zafran

Muslim Brother
Hi i'm new on here, long time reader first time poster, I was just wondering what is the significance of the moon or crescent that sits on the top of mosques and many 'muslim' countries like Pakistan and turkey have them on there flag. would does it stand for in the religion of Islam?

Thanks.
 

Al-Kashmiri

Well-Known Member
Staff member
As-salaamu `alaykum.

From my understanding it is more of a cultural Turkish symbol (which they likely inherited from their idolatrous past), which was carried upon the flags of the Ottomans. The banner of the Muslim Armies prior to the rise of the Ottomans was a simple Green, White or Black flag.

Allaah knows best.

Wa`alaykum us-salaam
 

Jibran

Junior Member
so it does not have any religious meaning whats so ever in the religion of islam?

Salam Zafran.

The crescent does not have any religious significance in Islam. The crescent was only made the symbol of islam through popularization of its usage. However, it isn't the corner-stone representation of islam. Well, not to me it isn't at least.

Hope this information betters your understanding inshallah.

The Flag of Constantinople

"Constantinople or present Istanbul was the capital of Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire. Before Christ it was once sieged by Goths, when the Romans defeated the Goths, it was first of the lunar month. Therefore, to remember this occasion they added the new crescent on the city flag. Later, the direction of the crescent was inverted because the new crescent faces the pole side of the flag and looked odd. During the course of centuries, this crescent bearing flag spread all over Anatolia (Asian Turkey). Turkic tribes of Central Asia embraced Islam and their different tribes spread westward conquering heartlands of Asia Minor, including parts of Anatolia. Hence, when Ottomans became caliphs their flag was red colored with a green circle in the center and three yellow crescents all facing the right side. Then they altered the flag (this will be discussed in later part of this article)."

More info

http://www.fotw.net/flags/islam.html#ori
 

ShahnazZ

Striving2BeAStranger
The Flag of Constantinople

"Constantinople or present Istanbul was the capital of Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire. Before Christ it was once sieged by Goths, when the Romans defeated the Goths, it was first of the lunar month. Therefore, to remember this occasion they added the new crescent on the city flag. Later, the direction of the crescent was inverted because the new crescent faces the pole side of the flag and looked odd. During the course of centuries, this crescent bearing flag spread all over Anatolia (Asian Turkey). Turkic tribes of Central Asia embraced Islam and their different tribes spread westward conquering heartlands of Asia Minor, including parts of Anatolia. Hence, when Ottomans became caliphs their flag was red colored with a green circle in the center and three yellow crescents all facing the right side. Then they altered the flag (this will be discussed in later part of this article)."

More info

http://www.fotw.net/flags/islam.html#ori

And here I always used to think it had something to do with the Prophet S.A.W.'s splitting of the moon.....
 

MTYKK

Banned
The word "هلال" (Hilaal: ha, lam, alif, lam) and "الله" (Allaah: alif, lam, lam, ha) are formed using the same letters and abjad count both mounts to 66.

The Ottoman, not wanting the name of Allaah (jalla jalaaluhu) to be possibly disrespected by kuffar (in the case of defeat, flag burning, flag throwing on the ground, masjids being hit, rubbled etc.) used this symbolism to remind themselves of Allaah, azza wajal, while not allowing the slightest chance of disrespect to the name of Allaah, subHana wa ta'ala.

Also, like the moon reflects the light of the sun for our earth and a guide to help us find our direction,
RasulAllah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, reflects the Noor of The Divine Message of Wahiy to mankind.

It is worthy to note that, Salahuddin Ayyubi also used the "hilaal" in his yellow flag.

The new moon, also symbolizes beginning and ending of the holy month of RamaDaan, beloved month of fasting, in which is the night of power and Islamic lunar calender. Crescent and star (five or six points) was being used and replacing crosses since the first century as churches were willingly being converted into mosques. (A Concise Encyclopedia of Islam by Gordon D. Newby)

While understanding that MuHammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, didn't use this symbol himself, and the symbol have been used by others before Islaam, the Khalīfah did things with wisdom and best of intentions, with the Taqwa and Love of Allaah, highest respect and obedience to the Rasul and his sunna, and in the guidance of the Glorious Qur'aan to the best of their ability. If they erred in their opinions or actions may Allaah, subHaana wa ta'ala, reward them for their well intentions, may Allah, subHaana wa ta'ala, forgive our mistakes and reward all of us for our striving.

I hope this brings some balance to the conversation at hand.

note: I'm NOT defending or trying to justify the "crescent moon" as a legitimate symbol for Islaam,
I'm simply bringing another point of view that exists to show the deep thought and well intentions of Muslims throughout history.
 

abubaseer

tanzil.info
Staff member
As Salaam Alaykum Brother,

What has numerology and abjad got to do with Islaam?

It has only lead to misguidance.

In Raheeq al Makhtoom "The Sealed Nectar" biography of Prophet peace be upon him, it is reported that the banner of the Mulsims was either black or white.

I would request you to read book "19 miracle of Quran, hoax or heresey" by Bilal Phillips for details.
 

Al-Kashmiri

Well-Known Member
Staff member
As-salaamu `alaykum,

Baarak Allaah feek for an informative reply. However, that doesn't mean it is a legitimate Islamic symbol. If it was, it would require such proof from the Book, Sunnah or by consensus. If they wanted to prevent Allaah's name from being disrespected, why didn't they leave the flag plain as was done in the days of the sahaabah? Instead a cultural symbol was minted on to the flag.

Was-salaam
 

Salem9022

Junior Member
The word "هلال" (Hilaal: ha, lam, alif, lam) and "الله" (Allaah: alif, lam, lam, ha) are formed using the same letters and abjad count both mounts to 66.

The Ottoman, not wanting the name of Allaah (jalla jalaaluhu) to be possibly disrespected by kuffar (in the case of defeat, flag burning, flag throwing on the ground, masjids being hit, rubbled etc.) used this symbolism to remind themselves of Allaah, azza wajal, while not allowing the slightest chance of disrespect to the name of Allaah, subHana wa ta'ala.

Also, like the moon reflects the light of the sun for our earth and a guide to help us find our direction,
RasulAllah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, reflects the Noor of The Divine Message of Wahiy to mankind.

It is worthy to note that, Salahuddin Ayyubi also used the "hilaal" in his yellow flag.

The new moon, also symbolizes beginning and ending of the holy month of RamaDaan, beloved month of fasting, in which is the night of power and Islamic lunar calender. Crescent and star (five or six points) was being used and replacing crosses since the first century as churches were willingly being converted into mosques. (A Concise Encyclopedia of Islam by Gordon D. Newby)

While understanding that MuHammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, didn't use this symbol himself, and the symbol have been used by others before Islaam, the Khalīfah did things with wisdom and best of intentions, with the Taqwa and Love of Allaah, highest respect and obedience to the Rasul and his sunna, and in the guidance of the Glorious Qur'aan to the best of their ability. If they erred in their opinions or actions may Allaah, subHaana wa ta'ala, reward them for their well intentions, may Allah, subHaana wa ta'ala, forgive our mistakes and reward all of us for our striving.

I hope this brings some balance to the conversation at hand.

note: I'm NOT defending or trying to justify the "crescent moon" as a legitimate symbol for Islaam,
I'm simply bringing another point of view that exists to show the deep thought and well intentions of Muslims throughout history.

--WHAT??? where you get this from? and what does Numerology have to do with Islam?

"I'm simply bringing another point of view that exists to show the deep thought and well intentions of Muslims throughout history"

--We don't take peoples opinions and views if it isn't based upon authentic teachings of the Sunnah

--This is something people should learn about this cresent moon symbol

Question:
What is the symbolism behind the Muslim star and crescent? I did a keyword search of your site and searched my library's reference books and cannot find anything more than a reference to the flag of the Ottoman Empire. Thank you for your interest.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

There is no basis in sharee’ah for taking the crescent or star as a symbol of the Muslims. This was not known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), or at the time of the Khulafa’ al-Raashidoon (the first four leaders of Islam after the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), or during the time of the Umawis (Umayyad dynasty). It emerged some time after that, and historians differ as to when this symbol was first adopted and who was the first to adopt it. Some say it was the Persians, others say it was the Greeks, and that this symbol was somehow passed to the Muslims. (See Al-Taraateeb al-Idaariyah by al-Kittaani, 1/320). It was said that the reason why the Muslims adopted the crescent was that when they conquered some western countries, the churches there had crosses on top of them, the Muslims replaced the crosses with these crescents, and the practice spread in this way. Whatever the case, symbols and banners must be in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and as there is no evidence that this symbol is prescribed by Islam, it is better not to use it. Neither the crescent nor the star are symbols of the Muslims, even though some Muslims may use them as symbols.

As regards what Muslims think about the moon and the stars, they believe that they are part of the creation of Allaah, and as such can neither benefit nor harm people, and they do not have any influence over events on earth. Allaah has created them for the benefit of mankind, an example of which is seen in the aayah or verse of the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):

“They ask you (O Muhammad) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage…” [al-Baqarah 2:189]

[The commentator] Ibn Katheer said, explaining the phrase Say: these are signs to mark fixed periods of time: “From them (the new moons) they may know the times for repaying loans, the ‘iddah (waiting period) of their women [after being divorced or widowed] and the timing of their Hajj (pilgrimage)… Allaah has made them signs to mark the times when Muslims should start to fast and break their fast [the beginning and end of Ramadaan], to count the ‘iddah of their women and to know the times for repaying loans.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

[Another commentator] Al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on this aayah [verse]: “This explains the wisdom behind the waxing and waning of the moon, which is to avoid any confusion in appointed dates, dealings, oaths, Hajj, ‘iddah, fasting, breaking fasts, length of pregnancy, rentals and other matters that concern mankind. Similar to this aayah are others (interpretation of the meanings):

‘And We have appointed the night and the day as two aayaat (signs). Then, We have made dark the sign of the night while We have made the sign of day illuminating, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number of the years and the reckoning…” [al-Isra’ 17:12]

‘It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out its (their) stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning…’ [Yoonus 10:5]

Counting the new moons is easier than counting days.” (See Tafseer al-Qurtubi).

With regard to the stars, the scholars of Islam say that Allaah created these stars for three reasons: to adorn the heavens, to drive away the devils (shayaateen) and as signs for navigation. (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bad’ al-Khalq), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea…” [al-An’aam 6:97]

“And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the shayaateen (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire.” [al-Mulk 67:5]

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?re...=star symbol

--The cresent and Moon symbol was used by the Christians of Constantinople before the Turks Invaded the city, The cresent Represented Mary and the Star Represented Jesus who was depicted as the Bright Morning Star, when the Turks Invaded the city they took this symbol as their own because most of the Turks were sufis and they had many superstitious beliefs, one being that if they took the flag of the enemey as their own they will have good luck, after they adopted this symbol they started to spread this symbol in the Middle East and North Africa and slowly people started to associated this Symbol with Islam which is Incorrect. Also Note the Cresent and Moon symbol was adopted by the christians themselves from the Pagans who were living there, there were shamanites who worshiped the starts and such, but some historions differ on that.

--Also this disuccsion was already discussed

http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29804
 

Almeftah

Junior Member
As-salaamu `alaykum,

Baarak Allaah feek for an informative reply. However, that doesn't mean it is a legitimate Islamic symbol. If it was, it would require such proof from the Book, Sunnah or by consensus. If they wanted to prevent Allaah's name from being disrespected, why didn't they leave the flag plain as was done in the days of the sahaabah? Instead a cultural symbol was minted on to the flag.

Was-salaam

The Crescent may not be a part of Islam as a religion, But it is a part of Islam as a Culture, From it we know when Ramadan starts, and when Eid Al-Fiter comes, We also have the 4 fobidden month in Islam...etc.

And as i said before, The Crescent indicates the beggining and the ending of the month.
Its is of importance in Islam, Or why else would it be mentioned in quran?


Allah (swt) said in (quran 2:189):
They ask thee, (O Muhammad), of new moons (Crescents), say: They are fixed seasons for mankind and for the pilgrimage. It is not righteousness that ye go to houses by the backs thereof (as do the idolaters at certain seasons), but the righteous man is he who wardeth off (evil). So go to houses by the gates thereof, and observe your duty to Allah, that ye may be successful. (189)

He (swt) also said in (quran 9:36):
Lo! the number of the months with Allah is twelve months by Allah's ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them. And wage war on all of the idolaters as they are waging war on all of you. And know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him). (36)

Also in (quran 10:5)
He it is Who appointed the sun a splendour and the moon a light, and measured for her stages, that ye might know the number of the years, and the reckoning. Allah created not (all) that save in truth. He detaileth the revelations for people who have knowledge. (5)

Also in (quran 36:39)
And for the moon We have appointed mansions till it returnes like an old shrivelled palm-leaf. (39)
 

Almeftah

Junior Member
Originally Posted by MTYKK
The word "هلال" (Hilaal: ha, lam, alif, lam) and "الله" (Allaah: alif, lam, lam, ha) are formed using the same letters and abjad count both mounts to 66.

This is Bida, Many people try to find connections between words, letters and numbers, This is way wrong.
 

MTYKK

Banned
This is Bida, Many people try to find connections between words, letters and numbers, This is way wrong.

Please read the whole post to the end. I was simply trying to calm everyone down with the reasons why this culture was used, founded, kept etc., like many things our Rasul sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam kept at his time. Remember fasting? (I'm not equating) since keeping beneficial things from culture "that doesn't oppose Islaam" is sunna while noting that I'm not claiming whether this particular subject is beneficial or perfectly sound with Islaam or not, but people of knowledge and people of Islaam, people more devoted to this Deen than anyone in this forum have done this, so we need to respect them, trying to understand and learn from them and do our best to live our Islaam the best way we can keeping our rich, complex and at times interesting culture in mind. waAllaahu 'Alim

Jazaak Allah Khair.
 

Almeftah

Junior Member
Please read the whole post to the end. I was simply trying to calm everyone down with the reasons why this culture was used, founded, kept etc., like many things our Rasul sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam kept at his time. Remember fasting? (I'm not equating) since keeping beneficial things from culture "that doesn't oppose Islaam" is sunna while noting that I'm not claiming whether this particular subject is beneficial or perfectly sound with Islaam or not, but people of knowledge and people of Islaam, people more devoted to this Deen than anyone in this forum have done this, so we need to respect them, trying to understand and learn from them and do our best to live our Islaam the best way we can keeping our rich, complex and at times interesting culture in mind. waAllaahu 'Alim

Jazaak Allah Khair.

Oops!

my bad.. :) forgive me brother/sister!
 
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