Are there any religious symbols (like a dove?) that are shared/recognized between the Abrahamic religions, but not the 'hallmark' of any of them?
I don't necessarily mean purely a symbol or picture of a dove popping up all over places of worship, but more in the vein of it showing up in their scripture or teachings?
I hope this question isn't incredibly weird and in the wrong sub, I just got asked to set up a prayer/meditation/quiet room for a refugee center, and would love to paint something that everyone might recognise or feel familiar with on the walls, but not tie it directly to any particular faith. Is this even viable? Thank you in advance!
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1 Expert Answer
Shelley G. answered • 07/21/19
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The Abrahamic religions all share the new moon, the crescent, as a symbol although how it is used differs from religion to religion.
In Judaism, the new moon starts each month. When it falls on the sabbath, special prayers are said; and in contemporary Judaism, some women's groups, using the new moon as a symbol of empowerment, celebrate with special meditations and events.
In Christianity, especially for Marianists, the crescent moon has regained importance somewhat. In the Middle Ages, icons of the Virgin Mary depict the Madonna standing on a crescent moon.
In Islam, scholars disagree as to the importance o the crescent moon even though it adorns many flags of majority Muslim Arabic countries. However, Ramadan begins on the new moon. It is also written that Mohammed split the moon in half.
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Elliott M.
Hey there. For the Abrahamic faiths, you have to remember that they all stem from the same original teachings, and are merely elaborations and continuations of the previous story. Christianity builds on Judaism, and Islam builds (although differently) on Christianity. Therefore, to get to any common symbolism, you should go earlier rather than later. Stick to Old Testament stuff (the Ark of the Covenant, the Ten Commandments, the staff of Moses, etc.). However, a HUGE grain of salt: Muslims tend to not focus as strongly on the Testaments, either Jewish Bible or Christian Bible. The majority of practice comes from the Qu'ran or the Haddith rather than the other books. They are viewed as valid. as are most* of the prophets, but there is a much lower emphasis. Other things I've seen done in religious centers is to have the Golden Rule posted somewhere in its assorted forms, essentially Do Unto Others As You Would Have Done Unto You. Each religion has its own version, but that cuts across all faiths, Abrahamic and otherwise. You kind of hit one on the head though. Doves are pretty good. They're a universally recognized symbol of peace.07/16/19