Crescent and Star and Communal Campaigns

Islamic calendar follows lunar movement. Islam’s Hijri calendar which was introduced in the era of second Caliph or the Head of Islamic State, Hazrat Umar, began to base itself on the lunar calendar starting with first Hijra from the date of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. Important rituals such as Hajj, fasting month of Ramazan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha coincide with various phases of Moon. It is therefore very crucial that appearance of crescent is recorded accurately as it constitutes beginning of the Islamic month. The Ottoman Caliphate of Turkey which brought under its domain a vast area of Europe and Asia took the crescent and star as the symbol of their caliphate or kingdom and put this on their flag. From then on the Muslim world began to emulate the Ottoman flag. Following the traditions, several Muslim states have adopted crescent and star as part of their national emblem. It however does not bear any religious significance. Nor does it carry any sanctity.

Sometimes, ignorant Muslims take crescent and star as sacred to signify Islam. It is why we see green flags bearing crescent and star hoisted over many graveyards or dargahs (mausoleum). As such Islam has neither prescribed nor sanctified this symbol, though it is part of the flags of several modern Muslims states. The Ottoman Empire had adopted it as its official symbol and it found a place on their flag for nearly four centuries. Even a crescent-star symbol was implanted in the garden overlooking the White House in Washington DC in recent years in recognition of Muslim presence and influence in the United States. Nothing in the holy text of Islam recognizes or recommends its use as emblem, seal or flag of a Muslim state. So no religious sanctity should be attached to it.