The Red Cross was established over 150 years ago to provide humanitarian and medical aid to victims of war and natural disasters. However, about 100 years ago, the organisation was renamed the Red Crescent for the Ottoman Empire, which controlled the Middle East at the time. The reason for this was simple: Muslims were comfortable with the Crescent Moon but not the Cross, and Christians were comfortable with the Cross but not the Crescent Moon. By creating these two symbols, aid could be provided in any part of the world where there was conflict, without upsetting the religious beliefs of the locals.

Countries like China, Japan, and India did not care much about either symbol because they did not hold such strong views. But why did the Crescent Moon become the symbol of Islam? You find it on the flag of Pakistan. Many believe it has to do with ancient Mesopotamians, who were timekeepers, and so worshipped the moon. Others say the Crescent Moon indicates the Eid Moon, which Muslims use to mark many celebrations. The star in the Islamic world is said to represent the morning or evening star, ie, Venus, visible at dawn and dusk. Venus was worshipped in ancient Babylon and Sumeria. But these explanations are not quite true.