Islam Symbols - Islam Meanings - Graphic and Meanings of Islam Symbols

Islam Symbols - Islam Meanings

Islam Symbols. Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that originated in the Middle East. Its main teachings are that there is only God (Allah) and that Muhammad is His messenger. One of the central beliefs is that God is merciful and all-powerful. Muslims also believe that God has guided mankind over the centuries through prophets, natural signs as well as scriptures. These scriptures encompass the Quran and are considered to the verbatim word of God. Accompanying the Quran is the Ḥadīth, which are oral traditions relating to the prophet Muhammad that have been recorded and passed down.

Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with 1.9 billion followers. Religious concepts and practices within Islam include the five pillars, which are obligatory acts of worship such as prayer and charity, as well as Islamic law (shariah), fasting during the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca, i.e. Hajj. Although animate symbols are not allowed in Islam, calligraphy and geometric design play a large role in communicating significant religious principles, phrases, and important beliefs and concepts. These can be found in Islamic art and architecture, but also as fixtures and decor in homes, restaurants, and other commercial spaces in Muslim countries and establishments.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of fasting that is observed by Muslims worldwide. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to engage in prayer, reflection and become part of the larger community. The month of Ramadan is a commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation from God, and it is said that the Quran was narrated during this month. The annual observation of Ramadan is considered as one of the five main pillars of Islam, and is an obligatory practice for Muslims. Ramadan lasts for anywhere between twenty-nine to thirty days. It is marked by the sighting of one crescent moon to the next.

Halal

Halal, in Arabic, can be translated into permissible. And many interpret the meaning of the word halal as lawful. Its opposite is the word haram, which means unlawful. The term halal is generally associated with meat, i.e. that animals are slaughtered in a certain way that makes them halal to eat. Although it has different uses according to different Islamic scholars, it is used most often when discussing Muslim dietary permissions. This can also be extended to other items such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which may contain animal by-products or other ingredients that are not permissible for Muslims to consume and/or put on their body.

Kaaba Mecca

The Kaaba Mecca holds a great deal of importance in Islam and is considered a sacred site. The Kaaba Mecca is a building at the center of Islam’s most important mosque, Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. No matter where Muslims are located in the world, when they engage in prayer, it must be in the direction of the Kaaba Mecca. It is also an important site for pilgrimage. One of the five pillars of Islam is to perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime.

Islamic lantern

Also known as Fanous, the Islamic lantern is a distinctive style of architecture and design. It is associated with Ramadan, and is also known as the Ramadan lantern. These Islamic lanterns, or Fanous, are used as decorative items during the month of Ramadan to mark the month of fasting. Originally developed from torches and candles from as early as the ancient Egyptians, the Fanous has become a memorable item of its own with a particular kind of style

Prayer mat

The prayer mat is a piece of fabric, sometimes a pile carpet, used by Muslims while praying. It is placed on the ground to serve as a barrier for unclean ground, so that the worshipper is protected and remains clean. It is larger in size because there are many different positions that one might pray in, so it covers a larger surface area to keep worshipper clean while engaging in prayer.

Mosque

The word Mosque in Arabic can literally be translated to a “place of ritual prostration.” A mosque is a space where any act of Muslim worship occurs, even if it is not designated as such. However, mosques are common places for prayer in cities and countries, and generally have a distinct architectural style. One example is the minaret, which is a distinctive part of a mosque and is used to issue calls to prayer.

Cross of Agadez

Although commonly referred to as a Muslim cross, there is actually no bearing of it on Islam or Christianity. The cross of Agadez is actually a geometric cross pattern that is used by Sunni Muslim Tuareg people of Saharan Africa. The center of the cross represents God. The four arms of the cross are used as a means of protection to keep evil at bay. Generally, the cross of Agadez is used as a protective amulet. It is generally considered a symbol of faith, religious devotion, and a way to protect against negative energy and evil.

Subhan Allah

One of the many phrases of praise for God, Subhan Allah is about the perfection of God. It is interpreted in different ways, but the general understanding is that it is a belief that God is free of imperfections. The phrase Subhan Allah is generally shown in Arabic calligraphic style, and can be found in homes and establishments. The phrase can also be interpreted as Glory be to God, Allah is perfect, or may He be exalted.

Alhamdulillah

An Islamic phrase, Alhamdulillah is used to to praise God. An Arabic phrase, its literal translation is “glory be to God.” Found in both the Quran and the hadith (oral traditions relating to the Prophet Muhammad), it is used as a common phrase amongst Muslims. Written in Arabic calligraphy style, it can also be found as decoration in homes and establishments.

Allahu Akbar

An Islamic phrase, Allahu Akbar literally translates into ‘God is the greatest’ in Arabic. Also known as takbir, the phrase is an important tenet of Islam for its followers. The phrase is generally styled in Arabic calligraphy and can be found in homes and establishments. It is considered an informal expression of faith, in times of distress or joy, or to express determination or defiance.

Allah

The Allah symbol is Arabic calligraphy for the word God (i.e. Allah). The word Allah itself can be traced back in its use by Arabic people predating the origin of Islam. In Islam, Allah is the unique, omnipotent and only deity that is responsible for Creation of the universe. The Muslim faith is built on the humble submission to Allah, and His will, as well as His divine ordinances and commandments.

Seal of Prophet Muhammad

Also referred to as Khatam an-Nabiyyin, the Seal of Prophet Muhammad is a title used in the Quran. Used as a designation, the Khatam an-Nabiyyin or the seal is interpreted as Muhammad being the last of the prophets sent by God. There are many hadith (oral traditions) from the prophet that confirm this finality. The belief that there are no prophets after Muhammad is followed by Muslims both in the Sunni and Shia sect.

Quran

The Quran, or Koran is the sacred book of Muslims. It is the Islamic sacred book and is believed to be the verbatim word of God. According to Islamic beliefs, the Quran is the word of God dictated to the prophet Muhammad through the archangel Gabriel. It is recorded in Arabic, and has since been translated. The Quran is comprised of 114 units, each of different lengths that are known as surahs. The first surah is part of ritual prayer and is used most commonly.

Hamsa hand

In Islamic culture, the Hamsa hand is connected to the Prophet Muhammad. It is seen as a symbol of the Hand of Fatima, his daughter. The Hamsa hand symbolizes power, bravery and defense. It is considered an icon of protection. The Hamsa hand can be traced back to thousands of years. It was used as a method of protection for those who were superstitious and wanted protection against any negative energies. In Arabic, the word Hamsa is means five, and the Hamsa hand refers to the five fingers.

Rub el hizb

The Rub el hizb is an Islamic symbol. It is usually shown as two overlapping square with other geometric designs and patterns. The Rub el hizb is generally found on emblems and flags. The word rub translates to one fourth or quarter in Arabic, while the word Hizb means a group or party. The term originates from the Quran, which is h is divided into 60 Hizb (60 groups of roughly equal length). This was done to facilitate the reading and recitation of the Quran. The Rub el hizb symbol can be found on the emblems and flags of different dynasties and countries such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Khatim

Khatim is also known as the seal of the Prophet and holds immense significance in Islam. It is a title used in the Quran in reference to Prophet Muhammad. The term is interpreted to mean that Prophet Muhammad was the last of the prophets, and there will be none after him. This belief of his finality is a central tenet of Islam and is also part of the Shahadah. This interpretation is also confirmed through several hadith (i.e. oral traditions) passed down by the Prophet that state that he is the last messenger of God.

Barakat Mohammed

In Arabic, the Barakat Mohammed is literally translated to the ‘blessings of Mohammed, Prophet of Islam.’ This symbol can be found on doors and entryways, and is done in the style of Arabic calligraphy. In Arabic, the word Barakat literally means blessings. The message of Barakat Mohammed is found in town such as Essaouira, in Morocco where it can be found in many places. Generally, this term is considered sacred and important.

Star and crescent

Although the Star and crescent is generally associated with Islam, the religion actually does not have a symbol as such. The Star and crescent were actually a symbol of the Ottoman Empire, and its meaning was extended to the religion itself. However, some movements have taken the star and crescent on as an unofficial symbol of Islam and has been reinterpreted as such. The symbol itself can be traced back as early as in Sumerian iconography, but its meaning has changed as different cultures have adopted it.

Bahai star

The Bahai star has a strong connection to the number 9, which is why it is featured so heavily in its symbolism. The number 9, and thus the star, represent perfection. Other variations of the star, such as the five-pointed star are representative of the human body and the Messengers of God. Bahai star is similar in nature, as it is also a monotheistic faith. It also teaches that teachings of one powerful God were revealed progressively through messengers such as Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad throughout the course of early religious history.

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