Eid-ulFitr — a joyous occasion

THE Muslims in Zimbabwe join the larger Muslim community across the globe in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr (Festival at the end of the fasting Month). This occurs on the first day of the tenth Month of the Islamic calendar — immediately after the month of Fasting (Ramadhaan) has come to an end — and it is meant to be a truly happy and joyous occasion in many ways.

Completion of the fasting period

Muslims all over the world have just been through an entire month of fasting during the day and observing extra prayers during the night — important requirements of the faith in order to purify body, mind and soul from the effects of materialism and the influences of the evil forces. All those who are major and of sound health are meant to fulfil these requirements, understanding fully well that Allah, our Creator, wishes goodness and ease for us and not hardship and difficulty.

Amazing gains from fasting

Through the increased acts of worship and service which are observed in the month of Ramadhaan, the Believers are literally being reminded that righteous actions and correct conduct are for all times and all places, so one must continue to strive in this regard. Believers must beware of laziness and remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, nor is it allowed to indulge in any of the forbidden actions. Allah Almighty requires us to reflect and ponder regularly in order to develop ourselves spiritually, morally, physically as well as materially wherever and whenever possible — all within the framework of the laws and commandments set down by Him, our Creator.

What is the Islamic calendar?

The Islamic calendar is based on the Lunar calendar. It comprises of 12 months with each month beginning at sunset on the day when the lunar crescent first appears after the new moon, and can be sighted by the unaided eye.

Visibility depends on a large number of factors including weather conditions, the altitude of the moon at sunset, the closeness of the moon to the sun at sunset, the interval between sunset and moon-set, atmospheric pollution, the quality of the eyesight of the observer, etcetera.

As a result, although the phases of the moon can be predicted accurately, the moon’s visibility at a given place on Earth cannot be accurately estimated in advance.

So do Muslims worship the moon?

No, not at all! Sadly, this is not only a major mis-conception, but actually in some instances it is intentionally spread by so-called men of the cloth only to discredit Islam and the Muslims — yet Islam upholds the pure monotheistic beliefs and practices conveyed by all the Messengers/ Prophets of The Almighty.

The only role the moon plays in the life of a Muslim is the fact that it’s new crescent heralds the commencement of the new month — just like in old times, the folk would count the months by checking the phases of the moon (even at present in many rural areas the folk follow the Lunar calendar and not the Solar one).

Muslims do not and cannot pray “to” or even “through” the moon (or for that matter any other celestial body, object, humans, spirits, etc.). Muslims do not even pray to the Ka’bah, which is in Makkah, in any way whatsoever. Prayer, worship, service and submission is to The One and Only Supreme Being, The Creator, Sustainer, Nourisher and Cherisher of the entire Universe — Allah Almighty.

So is the Crescent Moon a symbol of Islam?

The question then arises: What is the history behind the crescent moon symbol? What does it symbolise or mean? How and when did it become associated with the faith of Islam? Is it a valid symbol for the faith? Interestingly, the crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years. Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to ascertain, but most sources agree that these ancient celestial symbols were in use by the people of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods. There are also reports that the crescent moon and star were used to represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana.

Constantinople/ Istanbul adopted the crescent moon

The city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul) adopted the crescent moon as its symbol. According to some reports, they chose it in honour of the goddess Diana. Others indicate that it dates back to a battle in which the Romans defeated the Goths on the first day of a lunar month. In any event, the crescent moon was featured on the city’s flag even before the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).

The early Muslim community did not really have any symbol at all. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islamic communities, caravans and armies flew simple solid-coloured flags (generally white, green, etc) for identification purposes. Even in later generations, the Muslim leaders continued to use a simple white, green or black flag with no markings, writing, or symbolism on it.

Ottoman Empire

It wasn’t until the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world. When the Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city’s existing flag and symbol. There is speculation that the five points on the star represent the five pillars of Islam, but this is pure conjecture. The five points were not standard on the Ottoman flags, and as one will notice it is still not standard on flags used in the Muslim world today.

For hundreds of years, the Ottoman Empire ruled over the vast majority of the known Muslim world and other Empires identified it as the representative Empire of the Muslims. After centuries of battle with Christian Europe, it is understandable how the symbols of this empire became linked in people’s minds with the faith of Islam as a whole.

Conclusion

Thus although most people think that the crescent moon and star is an internationally-recognised symbol of Islam, featuring on the flags of several Muslim countries, and is even part of the official emblem for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the faith of Islam has historically had no symbol. It is certainly not in uniform use among Muslims and many even refuse to accept what is essentially an ancient pagan icon. Based on this history, one can understand that the crescent moon cannot be taken as a representative symbol of Islam.

◆ For further information on Islam please contact:

Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare Tel: 04-614078 / 04-614004 e mail: majliszw@yahoo.com.