What is the ruling on the moon and star symbol?

Asalaamu Alaikum,

I had a sticker of the Moon and Star on my car and someone told me that it was haram because it represented the pagan belief because they use to worship the moon and the star. I googled it and it did talk about the pagan worshiping the moon and star gods. My questions are:

  1. Does the moon and star have any significance in Islam seeing that it is on a lot of Middle Eastern Flags?
  2. Is it really haram to put this sticker on my Car? Or can I put it.

Wa Alaikum Assalaam,

الجواب و بالله التوفيق

The moon and the star do not represent a pagan belief of those who worshipped the moon and the star. It also does not represent Islam, nor is it a symbol of Islam or the months of Islam.

In the past, it was used by the Ottoman Empire on their flags. From here, it became a representation of Islamic power and rule. Afterwards, many Islamic Countries started to use it on their national flags. At present, it is still on the national flag of some Muslim Countries. Hence, it cannot be said that it represents a pagan belief nor is it directly connected to the ancient custom of worshipping the moon.

As such, it is not prohibited (haram) to put it as a sticker on your car.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

18/10/16.