Islamic symbols
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Islamic symbols are non-textual and non-verbal visual symbols that have been used, or are used, to express identification with Islam or a particular tradition within Islam, to evoke feelings of joy, sadness, devotion, etc., or even to stand for beliefs and ideas. Some symbols, such as the color green, have been associated with Islam for a long time and in many areas; others are of more limited duration and extent. Muslim art often uses such symbols to represent complex ideas (see Iconography). Islamic architecture may also incorporate such symbols in the decoration of religious edifices such as mosques, khanqahs, dargahs, etc.
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[edit] Star and crescent
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The star and crescent is commonly regarded as a symbol of Islam. It is featured prominently on the flags of many countries in the Islamic world, notably Turkey, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Critics point out that the symbol was not used by the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) and therefore has no basis in Islam, however it has undeniably became associated with the Ottoman Empire.
The crescent and star are believed to be the traditional insignia [citation needed] of the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul), capital of the Byzantine Empire. They were proudly adopted by the Ottoman Turks when they conquered Constantinople and put an end to many centuries of Byzantine rule. The Ottomans established the Ottoman Empire, which ruled much of the Middle East and North Africa for centuries. The Ottomans claimed to have inherited the caliphate and the right to represent all Islam; hence their star and crescent banner was, for a time, the banner of much of Sunni Islam.
However, some say that the crescent is ultimately derived from the cult of the goddess Diana or Artemis, the Greek and Roman goddess of the moon, and that it was retained even after the Roman Empire converted to Christianity [citation needed]. In addition, the five-pointed star is believed to have been added later as a symbol of the Virgin Mary upon Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity [citation needed]. As it was once a symbol of a non-Muslim faith, the star and crescent, say these critics, is not a fit symbol for Islam. [1]
[edit] Zulfiqar
Shi'a Muslims believe that Muhammad(pbuh) carried a sword called Zulfiqar, which he gave to his son-in-law and cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib. Ali is believed to have been a prodigious warrior who performed miracles of valor with this sword. Hence Zulfiqar symbolizes both his inheritance of power and authority from Muhammad and his great bravery.
[edit] Colors
In early accounts of Muslim warfare, there are references to flags or battle standards of various colors: black, white, red, and greenish-black. Later Islamic dynasties adopted flags of different colors:
- The Umayyads fought under white banners
- The Abbasids chose black
- The Fatimids used green
- Various countries on the Persian Gulf have chosen red flags
These four colors, white, black, green and red, dominate the flags of Arab states. See [2] and [3].
The color white is often believed to symbolize purity and peace. Many Muslims wear the color white when they attend Friday prayers. The color black is considered the color of mourning in Western and Mediterranean countries. It is often worn by Shi'a Muslims, who mourn the death of Husayn ibn Ali, killed at the Battle of Karbala. It is the color of the chador worn by devout Iranian Shi'a women and of the cloaks worn by the ayatollahs, the Shi'a clergy. In many Shi'a countries, a black turban is worn only by male sayids, men who descend from Muhammad though his daughter Fatima and his son-in-law Ali.
While the color red has no special significance in Islam, it is commonly used on the flags of Muslim countries. Also, the Red Crescent is the Muslim equivalent of the Red Cross.
The color green has a special place in Islam. It is used in the decoration of mosques, the bindings of Qur'ans, the silken covers for the graves of Sufi saints, and in the flags of various Muslim countries.
The color green has been associated with Islam for many centuries. It is not clear why this is so. Some say green was Muhammad’s favorite color and that he wore a green cloak and turban. Others believe that it symbolizes nature and life, hence the physical manifestation of God. In the Qur'an {Surah 18:31), it is said that the inhabitants of paradise will wear green garments of fine silk. While the reference to the Qur'an is verifiable, it is not clear if other explanations are reliable or mere folklore. Regardless of its origins, the color green has been considered especially Islamic for centuries. Crusaders avoided using any green in their coats of arms, so that they could not possibly be mistaken for their Muslim opponents in the heat of battle.
