The moon, the sun and the stars all hold great meaning - not just in the astrological sense - but in a spiritual sense, too.
Have you ever wondered about the Islamic significance behind star and moon jewelry? Let's dive in to find out where it all started.
W A Y B A C K W H E N
The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islamic armies and caravans flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes, with no writing or symbolism on it.
A D R E A M
It wasn't until the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim culture. When the Turks conquered Constantinople (now, Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city's existing flag and symbol. The founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other. Taking this as a good omen, he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty.
There is speculation that the five points on the star represent the five pillars of Islam, but this is pure conjecture and open to your own interpretation.
P R E S E N T D A Y
Whilst Islam does not associate with any symbols, the crescent moon and stars hold some meaning within Islamic culture.
You will find them on Islamic banners, diplomatic seals, government stamps, and flags. You may also see it adorned on doors to mosques or painted on Islamic ceramics or on jewlery.
T H E C R E S C E N T M O O N
The moon plays a significant role in Islam as the entire faith centres around the use of a lunar calendar. The crescent moon, known as Hilal, defines the start and end of Islamic months.
"It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases – that you may know the number of years and account [of time]. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know.” [Quran 10:5]
It must be noted that the beauty of the moon should not be idolized or used as a symbol of God - but we are able to appreciate the beauty of it as one of Allah's creations.
"And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.” [Quran 41:37]
You might notice that Arabic poetry refers to the moon quite often, and women are often named after the moon as a way to showcase their beauty. Kmar (full moon), Munira (luminous), Zuni (moon-like), Mahnoor (moonlight), and Noor (light) are common names based on the beauty of the moon.
T H E S T A R S
The Holy Kaaba is perfectly aligned with the lunar cycle, and the major (long) axis of the Kaaba has been observed to align with the rising of the brightest star in the sky - the star Canopus
As mentioned above, it is speculated that the five points of the star are said to represent the five different pillars of Islam. A reminder of the pillars - the profession of faith, prayer, alms, fasting and pilgrimage.
There is such a rich history and meaning behind all Islamic jewelry. It is a great way to express your faith and your personal style. Why do you express your faith through Islamic Jewelry?
M O R E T H A N L O O K S
ZUDO is dedicated to bringing you jewelry that goes deeper than aesthetics. (Although, not going to lie, they are so beautiful too!)
Every single piece we create is designed with meaning. Our star and moon collection allows you to feel connected to the beautiful forces created by Allah, which our Islamic calendar is based on.
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Come browse through the rest of our collections and find a piece that resonates with you. Each time you wear it, you'll be a part of the movement that celebrates our diverse identities.
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