Islamic "Crescent"

Bismillah. Ever wonder where the crescent and/or crescent and star symbols came from?

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid says, "There is no basis in shari’ah for taking the crescent or star as a symbol of the Muslims. This was not known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), or at the time of the Khulafa’ al-Raashidoon (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), or during the time of the Umawis (Umayyad dynasty)... Whatever the case, symbols and banners must be in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and as there is no evidence that this symbol is prescribed by Islam, it is better not to use it. Neither the crescent nor the star are symbols of the Muslims, even though some Muslims may use them as symbols."

Former Jehovah's Witness Rafael Narbaez, Jr. completed a research on this topic and concluded: "Proper attention should be given, however, to the use of a symbol or icon that at one time represented the worship of a goddess or to one that symbolizes our 'godly' adoration for a righteous person whom some may place on the same plane of reverence reserved only for Allah. May Allah guide us as we search to perfect our worship of Him as He has perfected our religion. In the end we all return to Him and He will teach us what was best; for He is the best to decide (10:108-109). Incidentally, the 'Golden Age of Islam' that we all reminisce so passionately about came to a close about the mid-l5th century with the fall of Spain and the invasion of the Mongols. This was about the same time that 'the star and crescent' started to be hoisted up as the banner or representation of Muslims. We've never been able to regain that greatness again. Coincidence?"

wa'Allahu 'alem.