While the crescent moon and star are associated with several Muslim countries including

Algeria, Azerbaijan, Comoros, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, Tunisia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; earlier types during the time of the Prophet
Muhammad simply flew the colors black, green and white on banners as identification of
armies and caravans. However the official adoption of the crescent moon and star did not
occur until 1453 when the Turks under the Ottoman Empire conquered Istanbul and
adopted the cities flag.

Even though a dozen countries have officially adopted the crescent moon and star, many
Muslims do not accept it even though allegedly the five points of the star represents the
five pillars of Islam, an idea rooted in conjecture. One reason for it’s rejection by many is
its ancient connection to pagan religions.

The moon and its significance to ancient cultures and religious practices predates it’s
official acceptance into the ottoman empire by 3500 years when “Sin” the moon god was
worshiped by Assyrians and Babylonians at their pantheons. “Sin” (moon) was also
known as “Hubal” a.k.a. Lord of the “Kabah” or a holy building. This moon god was one
of some say over 3500 gods worshipped in Arabia prior to Muhammad. To this day the
“Hubal” adorns the tops of every mosques world wide as well as minarets in the
“Kabah”.

While the Korak speaks against moon worship in Koran 31:27: "Among His Sings are the
Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore
God, Who created them, if it is Him ye wish to serve." There are also indications that
swearing by the moon and its worship was practiced during times of darkness. "I swear
by the moon, and the night when it departs, And the daybreak when it shines; Surely it
(hell) is one of the gravest (misfortunes)" (Koran 74:32)

But nay! I swear by the sunset redness, and the night and that which it drives on, And the
moon when it grows full, that you shall most certainly enter one state after another. But
what is the matter with them that they do not believe, And when the Qur'an is recited to
them they do not make obeisance? (Koran 84:16)