The crescent is a Turkish symbol that was directly assimilated from central Asian shamanism. How is this imagery reconciled with pure Islam and what are the potential meanings that it conveys?
Question
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The crescent is a Turkish symbol that was directly assimilated from central Asian shamanism. How is this imagery reconciled with pure Islam and what are the potential meanings that it conveys?
Answer
The Crescent and Star have no resemblance or significance and as such are not sacred symbols of Islam. The companions (Radhiyallaahu Ánhum) asked the Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) about the reality of the Hilaal (crescent), Allah Taãla revealed the verse, 'Say, the Hilaal is a means of calculating time for people.' It is perhaps for this (and maybe other reasons) that the crescent took some distinctive role in the character of symbolising identification for Muslims.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.
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- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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