Art is a form of communication that has been passed down from our ancestors from the beginning of time. It is a way that has linked generations and also something that joins various societies today. I feel like art isn’t that endorsed or given much importance to in my Pakistani community. However, I do encounter art in my culture sometimes on T.V, in a magazine, in a newspaper, etc.
One thing that I feel is different for each community is their definition of art. One community may think of art as something created for the purpose of viewing, as an artwork, such as a painting and one community may think of art as something like their daily routine. It all depends on the communities’ culture, values, and traditions. I think my religion, Islam, has had a big effect on how my countries’ people behave. I also think it has affected the way we go about with our daily routine. Therefore, I think the symbol of a crescent and star is something that is considered an art form in my community.
Now I know you might be thinking that a crescent and a star is not an actual painting or “artwork” but the fact that it has always been a symbol of our religion, I think it has a great impact on our remembrance of Islam. This symbol is present on T.V shows, the newspaper, Pakistani stores, and even on our own flag. A simple moon and star may not seem important or valuable to some people, but to Pakistani people it means a lot. It helps remind us of our values and goals in life. It gives meaning to who we are and why we are here. It gives us memories of the Partition between Pakistan and India in the mid 1900’s. Along with all of this, it also helps us understand what our ancestors, and brothers and sisters went through to get us our own independent nation.
Along with political issues, the symbol of the crescent and star also reminds us of our religion. The use of the crescent and star for Islam is controversial because the symbol itself was not associated with it until much later. However, because it has been used for the Pakistani community, we compare it with Islam and its teachings. Religion is stressed in my community and especially back home. There is typically supposed to a “prayer calling” before each of the five daily prayers. In Pakistan, you actually hear this prayer calling throughout the streets and blocks throughout the city. In my particular city, Lahore, you can hear it everywhere. This is just another example of how our religion ties in with our country. Furthermore, the symbol of the crescent and star is found in mosques, stores, and on a lot of different buildings too.
The symbol of the moon and crescent may not be considered art to many people but it is regarded highly in my community. This symbol has sentimental value for people across Pakistan. It gives us hope and something to look forward to when we look back at the history of the country and how we overcame obstacles. The crescent and star represents something that is above us and around us all the time.
