IS THE CRESCENT MOON AND STAR THE SYMBOL OF ISLAM?

This article may surprise some. However, I hope many will find it educational or perhaps, a little enlightening.

Is the crescent moon and star the symbol of Islam? The answer is obvious but it will need some unpacking.

Let us start by asking the most important question. Did the Prophet use them as the symbol of Islam? The answer is a definite, NO. Neither did the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

While today the crescent moon and star are frequently seen on flags, mosques, and other Islamic art, paving for the perception that they are the symbols of the faith, this is in actual fact a fairly recent construct. The crescent moon and star are not an official divinely intended symbol of Islam. Neither the Quran nor the Hadith collection provides any specific passage that asserts, endorses or suggests the crescent moon and star (or any other objects of creation) as a religious symbol for Islam.

Be that as it may, the Quran speaks extensively about celestial objects. The moon for example, has many mentions and a few times in tandem with the sun especially within the context of time and its cycles (Quran 41:37, 21:33, etc). The Quran also describes the creation of the universe (Quran 21:30, 7:54, etc), the expanding universe (Quran 51:47) and the creation of the earth (Quran 41:9-10).

The celestial verses in the Quran basically highlights their creation, purpose and orderly cosmic structure that follows the laws of the universe as ordained by God. The Quran stresses the idea that the universe is not random or chaotic, but rather governed by principles that God has programmed within His creation. Like gravity – how not only the clusters of galaxies are bound together by gravity, often containing hundreds or thousands of galaxies within them the solar, planetary and stellar systems exist, but also the possibility of life on earth.

These orderly unchanging laws of the universe are God’s favour to mankind.

They give us the stability and certainty about the cosmos that we live in. Therefore, we can plan and live our lives. To tell time, navigate travels, innovate and build structures and machines, plant crops, to contemplate time, space, matter or simply to have the pleasure of enjoying its artistic beauty (Quran 37:6, 67:5, etc).

Yet, there is a big BUT. They are all but, His creations. Nothing more, nothing less. The core Quranic and Prophetic guidance and message is to remember that they are not to be made an object of worship or of servitude (Quran 41:37).

How then did the crescent and star became strongly associated as the symbol of Islam?

The crescent and star association with Islam as a symbol is a recent historical construct rooted in the cultural and political history of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled a large portion of the Islamic world for almost six hundred years. The Ottomans displayed the crescent and star on flags, naval ensigns, and the tops of minarets, including mosques. The crescent moon and star as a symbol became the Ottoman’s official national flag in 1844.

When the Ottoman Empire collapsed, Turkey adopted the same symbol although today the crescent moon and star represents a myriad of meaning like good luck, freedom, hope, and the union of modernism and tradition besides Ottoman’s glorious past. Many Muslim majority countries like Pakistan, Mauritania, Algeria, Libya and Malaysia adopted the same symbol, too. Singapore a Muslim minority nation has the crescent moon and star on their flag due to the nation’s political and cultural history with Malaysia.

Saudi Arabia’s flag, did not adopt the crescent moon and star. The Kingdom of Saudi considered the star and crescent as not part of the Islamic faith. To them it is not rooted in Islamic scripture or early Islamic history. Saudi Arabia's goal is to reflect a focus on the origins and foundational teachings of Islam, rather than a continuation of the Ottomans’ tradition. Bangladesh and Indonesia have their own reasons not to adopt the crescent moon and star on their respective flags, too.

What inspired the Ottomans to use the crescent and star as their symbol?

The crescent moon and star symbol has a long, rich and complex history predating Prophet Muhammad. Before the crescent and star symbol gained prominence within the Muslim world through the Ottomans, it was a symbol used by ancient civilizations like the Akkadians dating back to 2300BC.

Archaeologists discovered many Mesopotamian kudurrus, depictions of the "astral triad" portraying the symbols of the three main astral deities: the sun-God Shamash, the moon-God Nanaya/Sin, and the Goddess Ishtar. While the Quran does not use the term astral triad, some Muslim scholars link the Quran’s story about Abraham’s journey towards monotheism (Quran 6:76-79, 2:102, 7:54) with the concept.

The crescent moon became the symbol of the Greco-Roman Byzantine Empire around 300 BC and became the distinct symbol of the city of Byzantium (later named Constantinople). Accordingly, it originated from the cult of the goddess Hecate, who was revered as a protector of the city. Greek mythology tells the story of how she saved Byzantium from an attack by Philip II of Macedon. By the first century the symbol was also found on Byzantine coins and military insignia.

The Byzantine Empire, with Constantinople as its capital, lasted for over 1000 years, until the city was captured by the Ottomans in 1453. The Ottoman Empire adopted the crescent moon and star as their symbol soon after.

Conclusion: What is the symbol of Islam?

The crescent moon and star is not a religious symbol in the strict sense. Today Muslims adopts it with various interpretations. There are those who explain that the five-pointed star reflects the Five Pillars of Islam, the central faith of Sunni Muslims. Some also relate it to the greatness of the creator. In the context of holy month of Ramadan, they reflect the beauty of the cyclical nature of time and the celebration of Eid. Some Muslims disagree about the crescent moon and star being a symbol of Islam, in toto.

Personally, I do not feel that Islam can be represented by any external symbols. Islam can only be represented by good Islamic practices, our deeds. Defending external symbols as Islamic symbols are futile attempts. This is especially true when dealing with thoughtless people who belittle any symbols assigned to the faith. The Quran’s guidance in dealing with these individuals is practical and wise.

“The ˹true˺ servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the foolish address them ˹improperly˺, they only respond with peace.” Quran 25:63

I would like to conclude this article by sharing a dozen Islamic practices that can represent the true symbols of Islam through deeds.

1. Practice mercy. Be like the Prophet (Quran 21:107)

2. Be just and fair. (Quran 4:58)

3. Do not lie. (Quran 2:42, 16:116)

4. Keep your promises and agreements. (Quran 17:34)

5. Be truthful (9:119)

6. Repel evil with goodness (Quran 41:34)

7. Be kind to parents (Quran 17:23)

8. Help the poor and needy (Quran 2:215)

9. Work and strive hard, avoid being lazy (Quran 53:39)

10. Read, study, increase in knowledge and skills (Quran 96:1, 20:114)

11. Do not practice double standards (Quran 83:1-6)

12. Aim to die an Abrar* (Quran 3:193, 2:177)

“And say, "Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do." Quran 9:105

Peace, anas

*Most Muslims seem to be oblivious to what is being an Abrar.

.

MALAYSIA - USA AND CHINA

Let's get it right.

What we need is for both these superpowers to find an amicable solution to the current challengers.

Both are important to us. We are part of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The US is still one of our largest trading partners and is traditionally considered to be our oldest and closest ally in military, economic and education . We established bilateral ties with the US since 1957.

While China & Malaysia established diplomatic ties in 1974, our history with China goes back for centuries.

We are here to work with both of them. Not choosing one over the other.

Peace.

(posted on FB on April 18th)

SIN CHEW DAILY AND JALUR GEMILANG - posted on FB April 18 and 20

 I have strong convictions that the Jalur Gemilang mistake is a genuine one. Nothing malicious.

When we look at familiar pictures and words, our mind automatically fills up the missing pieces. In psychology, the term for when our brain fills in missing details in familiar pictures or words is called "filling in" or "completion".

Yes, the Editors should have been more careful. That is their job. However, they have been rebuked by no other than the YDP Agong. Sin Chew has apologized and are taking the appropriate actions.

Today, our concern should be the many parties and individuals who are consciously being vicious and malicious in dealing with the situation. Those who are using a genuine mistake for selfish political and bigoted purposes. Their actions and words are worse than the original mistake. In fact, they are being disrespectful to the YDP Agong – acting as though his decree is not adequate.

From an Islamic perspective, while Islam emphasizes the importance of not being silent about mistakes, it also recognizes the possibility of making genuine blunders. One must seek forgiveness and exercise self-correction – of which Sin Chew is doing. This is because Islam emphasizes the importance of learning from past errors and striving to improve one's actions.

“Verily, Allah has overlooked for my nation their honest mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are forced into doing.” - Prophet Muhammad (Sunan Ibn Mājah 2045)

Peace, anas.

(April 18)

JALUR GEMILANG PICTURE BANK

It won't be a surprise if we discover more incomplete Jalur Gemilang pictures in the future which mostly went undetected because the brain tends to fill up and complete familiar patterns even when they are missing.

Naturally today, our mind will be more conscious of our flag and the brain will be more vigilant paying attention to the crescent. Just like when someone close buy a new car model, say a Toyota Yaris, you will "suddenly" see the model everywhere in town

The gaffe is likely from the same shared resources or picture bank website.

I am confident PDRM will find the source and we can nip it in the bud.

Peace, anas

Additional note : See if you start noticing more TOYOTA YARIS after reading this post ya

YARIS!YARIS!YARIS!

(April 20)

CHUANG TZU: WHAT HAPPENED TO DAP?

 

Be it when I am in KL or Penang and especially in WhatsApp groups discussion, the off-repeated question is, “ What happened to DAP?”

Chuang Tzu may have the answer.

“When an archer is shooting for nothing,

he has all his skill.

If he shoots for a brass buckle,

he is already nervous.

If he shoots for a prize of gold, he goes blind or sees two targets -

He is out of his mind!

His skill has not changed. But the prize divides him.

He cares. He thinks more of winning than of shooting-

And the need to win drains him of power.” -

                                              Chuang Tzu (c.360 BC - c. 275 BC)

Perhaps DAP will reflect. Is Putrajaya the brass buckle or pot of gold that will drain them of power?

Peace, anas

 

HOW TUN DR. M AND TS LIM KIT SIANG CAN HELP HEAL THE NATION

We are a nation with wounded hearts.

Most of us are fairly richer and better off than we were before, across the board.

Yet today, every single community is feeling as though they have been short-changed. Each community feels that they have being treated unfairly – that they are the ones at the losing end. We see almost everything as a zero-sum game – politics, economics, religion. If the other side gets more, it can only mean our side is getting less. Such is our psyche.

We are suspicious of each other. We question each other's intentions. We have a trust deficit.

We are a young nation chasing big dreams. We come from different backgrounds – ethnicities, religions, cultures and geographical locations. It is expected that along the way, we have intentionally and unintentionally hurt the other. The fact is, we have over-used our differences especially that of ethnicity and religion as political tools. Conveniently using real politics as an excuse to not work harder with a better approach. As such, over the decades, we pressed on building partisan politics based on unhealthy ethnic competition.

We created scars that slowly but surely grew us to be a nation with wounded hearts. This must not go on. We need to heal.

Tun Dr. Mahathir and Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang can help heal our nation.

I have been harbouring this idea since 2003 when Tun first resigned. I was waiting for Tan Sri to retire too, to promote the idea. However, events the last two decades have made me hold back the idea.

But today, it is not too late.

Tun and Tan Sri are leaders of all Malaysians. At the same time, they are both also seen as the ultimate advocates of the Malays (Tun) and non-Malays, particularly the Chinese (Tan Sri). They both help carved our modern history. For decades, they coloured our political, economic and social realities. They represented the uppermost leadership on both sides of our political divide. They, till today, carry an unmatched, respected and may I say, legendary, aura.

I have strong convictions that if Tun and Tan Sri are seen together chatting and sharing their thoughts and feelings about the past, the present and their hopes for our future, we will take our first steps to heal and bring our nation closer together.

Imagine Tun and Tan Sri at a park in Putrajaya, each assisting the other every now and then as they stroll through the walking path. Or, visiting Parliament and having a friendly banter about how they ripped at each other in the good old days. Perhaps in another session, sharing their grandfatherly bliss and introducing their grandchildren to each other – and share their hopes for the future generations.

Perhaps, ‘Keluar Sekejap’ could facilitate the sessions and meetings. Plan for a good number of episodes. The goal is to heal the nation. Bring us closer.

We need to show that while Tun and Tan Sri are opposed to the other, both are working for Malaysia in their own way. They are just “musuh politik”, not real enemies.

I pray and hope that Tun and Tan Sri find resonance in this idea and see it as their greatest final gift to Malaysia and Malaysians.

Let’s heal our wounded hearts.

Thank you.

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

Penang

 Note : Pix from Berita Harian Website

 

HAVE A MEANINGFUL AIDILFITRI 2025

Have a Meaningful Aidilfitri 

Why leaders and managers must know how to lead without formal authority

Leaders and managers must be taught to lead without formal authority early on. 

This is to avoid cultivating a self-defeating mentality believing that without formal power, they are helpless. This attitude robs them from entrepreneurship, taking initiative and being proactive. Thus, fail to get things done and make things happen – their ultimate task. In the longer run, they become bosses that are overly dependent on power of authority even to do the smallest of jobs.

Leaders and managers must know the relationship and dynamics between power, influence and persuasion. They must understand that even those with absolute power are vulnerable to influence and persuasion by others. Even when they have formal power, it is crucial that they appreciate that influence and persuasion as extensions of power, are better options to change people’s attitude and behaviour.

It is not that leaders and managers should avoid gaining formal power and authority. The aptitude to acquire formal power is required for anyone who wants to move up in an organization. However, the journey to the top will require them to know how to influence and persuade not just their peers and subordinates, but also their bosses and external stakeholders.

Furthermore, one cannot develop influence and the ability to persuade without first developing their personal power. They need to get the basics right, like build trust, credibility and strong relationships. Develop the ability to communicate well, enlist people to collaborate and contribute great ideas. They must also nurture their self-confidence, and show abundant energy and stamina. These are some of the qualities needed to be an effective leader and manager.

Let us add value.

Have a meaningful Aidilfitri

Peace, anas

Picture caption

Tun Daim Zainuddin (1938–2024) was known for working behind the scenes, using his influence and persuasion to shape policies and drive reforms in Malaysia’s political, social and economic landscape.

Umar ibn al-Khattab, The Conquest of Jerusalem, a Hindu temple and Al-Madani Mosque

 Umar ibn al-Khattab, The Conquest of Jerusalem, a Hindu temple and Al-Madani Mosque

When Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Second Caliph conquered Jerusalem, he could have taken over every inch of the land. Instead, when Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem invited Umar to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, he declined. He feared that if he prayed in the church, it might endanger the church's status as a place of Christian worship. Later Muslims might tear down the church, replacing it with a mosque in his honour. Umar ibn al-Khattab wanted to protect the future of the holiest site of Christianity. 

So, he walked outside and found an empty open space about a hundred feet away from the church and performed his prayer. Today, that space is a mosque, The Mosque of Umar - next to the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

When the Caliph saw the poor state of the Temple Mount, where the holy site of the Jewish community once stood, Umar fell on his knees to clear the refuse and debris that had been left there for hundreds of years. And, when he found out that the Jews had been driven out of their holy land, he ordered his man to look for 80 Jewish family who were willing to repopulate Jerusalem. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s pious act marked a significant turning point in ensuring the Jewish community return to and reside in their holy land. 

The Treaty of Umar - Umar's Assurance, granted non-Muslim residents, including Christians and Jews, protection for their lives, possessions, and places of worship.

So, what can we learn from Umar ibn al-Khattab?

Firstly, we must avoid taking over an established place of worship of those of another faith even when we have the absolute power and authority to do so. Secondly, we must resist building a new place of worship for ourselves over them. Thirdly, we must protect the future of holy sites even when they are not our own. Fourthly, if we want to build a new place of worship for ourselves when faced with such a situation, find an empty and free space not far away without having to touch or disturb the places of worship of others.

When I read about Caliph Umar’s pious act, I recall what the Quran decreed in Chapter 22 verse 40 below,

“ [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allah ." And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” 

What about the proposed relocation of the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple?

What would have been ideal would have been to follow Caliph Umar’s example. This is especially so because we are building a mosque in place of the temple. Furthermore, ironically, the proposed mosque will be named the Madani Mosque. A concept that will bid well with Caliph Umar’s compassionate example and in line with our MADANI concept of practicing a civilised culture that is inclusive and incorporates the interests of all races, religions and regions in the country.

However, it is good that an amicable solution has been agreed. The temple committee has agreed to move to a nearby site.  Additionally, the spot will be gazetted as a permanent site for the temple. 

What about the future?

We need better practices and norms that minimise controversy, hurtful ridicule and unnecessary politicization when faced with these challengers. A Malaysian culture that avoids wounding each other’s hearts. We need to emulate Caliph Umar’s compassionate example. A belief system that emphasises on empathy, caring about the other side and long-term relationships.

We need a process that guarantees the first right of choice or the right of first offer when dealing with similar situations, regardless if it affects a Hindu or Buddhist temple, a mosque, a surau, a church or a gurdwara. In the case of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple’s case, DBKL would have had to offer the temple community the right to purchase the land in 2012 before opening it for sale to anyone else – in this case the Jakel Group. Ample time should have been given to raise the money needed and the price must be kept at a reasonable amount.

Practicing empathy and compassion is the true Malaysian way. We have the example of the century-old Sri Maha Sakthi Mohambigai Amman Temple within Mid Valley Megamall. Kudos to IGB Berhad for prioritising compassion and people over profit! In fact, we witness compassion and empathy on a daily basis in the corporate world. Business owners regardless of race or religious affiliation practice compassion and empathy by ensuring ample and comfortable space for a surau. On a personal note, it was heartfelt when my Chinese clients ask me how best they can improve the surau at their premises and assist their Malay Muslim workers to develop and grow their careers.

“ O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allāh, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of what you do.” Quran 5:8

Thank you, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab for showing us the way of the Quran with your life examples.

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

Penang