In most religions, there is an iconic symbol that is affiliated with the religion in question. The symbol serves as a banner or an image of hope. In Christianity, there are multiple iconic symbols, but the most recognizable symbol is Jesus on the cross. This is an image of suffering and sacrifice for the greater good of the people. In Buddhism, the iconic symbol is the "Budduh." This jolly-looking figure is an overweight bald man sitting with his legs crossed and has an inviting smile on his face.
In Islam however, there is no official or direct symbol that represents the religion. Over the years, the most common symbol became the star and the cresent symbol. This image is represented on the flags of many countries of islamic faith, such as Turkey and Pakistan. Surprisingly, the symbol is not Muslim in origin. Rather, it was a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam, and its use today is sometimes controversial in the Muslim world.
It is important to keep in mind that Islam has few traditional symbols, and the crescent moon and star are not ones that are recognized by as traditional symbols by Muslims. The symbol is due to cultral diffusion and the spread of Islam to the Ottoman turks who ruled a large area and also put the crescent moon and star symbol on their flag.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This is very interesting. I have never seen or heard of the symbols dedicated to the Islamic religion.
ReplyDeleteThese symbols are very intersting, simular in any religion I suppose.
ReplyDeleteSo the crescent became associated with Islam because it was the symbol of a country that was predominantly Muslim? That's very interesting. I can see how that would generate controversy among the faithful.
ReplyDelete