The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Crescent Moon of Islam

Voices within the Church, from Fulton Sheen to Catholic mystics, have suggested that Mary may play a role in bringing Muslims to Christ.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

As a convert to Catholicism, I have always been drawn to powerful conversion stories—especially those with a distinct Marian dimension. There is something profoundly moving about tales of transformation in which the Blessed Virgin plays an explicit role, whether through dreams, visions, or even apparitions.

Of course, I believe that every conversion is, in some way, the fruit of Mary’s intercession, whether recognized or not. But when Our Lady makes her presence known in a clear and unmistakable way, these stories take on an even deeper significance for me. They remind me of the tenderness with which she draws souls toward her Son, often meeting them in the very places they least expect.

Recently, I came across the conversion testimony of Nikki Kingsley, a former devout Muslim from Pakistan. Her journey into Christianity is both beautiful and harrowing, filled with moments of struggle, revelation, and grace. Yet, what struck me most was the role Mary played in her path to Christ—an influence rooted in the deep reverence Islam holds for the Mother of Christ.

Kingsley’s story, coupled with a long-held theory about the crescent moon in Marian imagery shared by a special lady in my life, prompted me to explore this connection further. As I delved into the subject, I was surprised to discover how many Catholics are unaware of the unique and honored place Mary holds in Islam. This realization inspired me to take a deeper look—not only at what Islam teaches about the Blessed Virgin but also at how her presence continues to bridge unexpected paths of faith.

Mary in the Qur'an

The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, holds an irreplaceable role in Catholic theology and devotion. As the Theotokos (God-bearer), she is central to salvation history, honored above all other creatures. Her intercession is sought by the faithful, and she is venerated as the purest, most perfect disciple of Christ. What may surprise many Catholics, however, is that Mary also holds a significant position in Islamic theology. The Qur’an presents Mary (Maryam in Arabic) as a model of righteousness, virginity, and divine favor.

The Qur’an accords Mary a level of honor unmatched by any other woman. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the entire Qur’an, and an entire chapter (Surah 19, Maryam) is dedicated to her. Some of the most significant references to her include:

Surah 3:42 – "And [mention] when the angels said, 'O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.'"

Surah 19:16-21 – "And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, 'Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.' He said, 'I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.' She said, 'How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?' He said, 'Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me,’ and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter decreed.’”

Surah 66:12 – "And Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into her from Our Spirit, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient."

Mary’s sinlessness in Islam

Islamic tradition teaches that Mary was a model of purity, and some interpretations even suggest that she was sinless. Imam Al-Baydawi, a classical Islamic scholar, stated that Mary was preserved from major sins, though not necessarily in the way Catholics understand the Immaculate Conception. The Islamic concept of ‘Isma (divine protection from sin) is applied to prophets and, in some interpretations, to Mary.

Hadith traditions further support Mary’s exceptional status. In Sahih al-Bukhari, Muhammad is reported to have said:

"Every child is touched by Satan the moment he is born, and this contact makes him cry. Except for Mary and her son."

This passage has been interpreted by some Muslim scholars as implying a special divine protection over Mary and Jesus, akin to the Catholic belief in Mary’s sinlessness.

Comparing the Catholic and Islamic Mary

Despite these apparent similarities, fundamental differences exist between the Catholic and Islamic understanding of Mary:

- Mary as Theotokos vs. Mother of a Prophet

Catholicism defines Mary as the Mother of God, emphasizing her role in the Incarnation. Islam, rejecting Christ’s divinity, only acknowledges her as the mother of a prophet, stripping her maternity of its theological depth.

- The Virgin Birth without Divine Sonship

Islam affirms the Virgin Birth but explicitly denies that Jesus is the Son of God. The significance of Mary’s divine maternity is thus drastically altered.

- Mary’s Role in Salvation

Catholic teaching proclaims Mary as the Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of all graces. Islam, denying Christ’s Passion and Resurrection, sees no role for Mary in salvation beyond being an example of righteousness.

- Intercessory Power

Catholic tradition holds that Mary intercedes for humanity. Islam, with its strict monotheism, generally rejects the idea of intercession, placing a theological barrier to Marian devotion in the Catholic sense.

Can Mary be a bridge for evangelizing Muslims?

Given Mary’s prominence in Islam, could she serve as a means of bringing Muslims to Christ? Some Catholic thinkers believe she can.

Pope St. John Paul II, in Redemptoris Mater, emphasized Mary’s universal motherhood, stating that her role transcends religious boundaries. While he did not address Islam directly, his Marian approach suggests that her purity and obedience could serve as a common ground for dialogue.

Fulton Sheen, in his book The World’s First Love, made the following (prophetic?) claims:

“The Koran, which is the Bible of the Moslems, has many passages concerning the Blessed Virgin. First of all, the Koran believes in her Immaculate Conception, and also, in her Virgin Birth…..The Koran also has verses on the Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity. Angels are pictured as accompanying the Blessed Mother and saying, Oh Mary, God has chosen you and purified you, and elected you above all the women of the earth. In the 19th chapter of the Koran there are 41 verses on Jesus and Mary. There is such a strong defense of the virginity of Mary here that the Koran in the fourth book, attributes the condemnation of the Jews to their monstrous calumny against the Virgin Mary.

Mary, then, is for the Moslems the true Sayyida, or Lady. The only possible serious rival to her in their creed would be Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed himself. But after the death of Fatima, Mohammed wrote: Thou shalt be the most blessed of women in Paradise, after Mary. In a variant of the text Fatima is made to say; I surpass all the women, except Mary.

This brings us to our second point; namely, why the Blessed Mother, in this 20th Century should have revealed herself in the significant little village of Fatima, so that to all future generations she would be known as “Our Lady of Fatima.” Since nothing ever happens out of Heaven except with a finesse of all details, I believe that the Blessed Virgin chose to be known as “Our Lady of Fatima” as pledge and a sign of hope to the Moslem people, and as an assurance that they, who show her so much respect, will one day accept her divine Son too.

Evidence to support these views is found in the historical fact that the Moslems occupied Portugal for centuries. At the time when they were finally driven out, the last Moslem chief had a beautiful daughter by the name of Fatima. A Catholic boy fell in love with her, and for him she not only stayed behind when the Moslems left, but even embraced the Faith. The young husband was so much in love with her that he changed the name of the town where he lived to Fatima. Thus the very place where our Lady appeared in 1917 bears a historical connection to Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed.

Missionaries, in the future will, more and more, see that their apostolate among the Moslems will be successful in the measure that they preach Our Lady of Fatima. Mary is the advent of Christ, bringing Christ to the people before Christ himself is born. In any apologetic endeavor, it is always best to start with that which the people already accept. Because the Moslems have devotion to Mary, our missionaries should be satisfied merely to expand and develop that devotion, with the full realization that our Blessed Lady will carry the Moslems the rest of the way to her divine Son. She is forever a “traitor,” in the sense that she will not accept any devotion for herself, bit will always bring anyone who is devoted to her to her divine Son”.

He argued that since Mary is already honored in Islam, she could lead Muslims to the fullness of truth in Christ.

Referencing the same Sheen passages above, Mnsgr. Charles Pope in a 2011 article “Mary and the Muslim World: Is She the Key to Evangelization?” wrote the following by way of questions and answers. Again I quote in full.

“Do Muslims today still manifest the reverence to Mary that Sheen described in 1952? I have seen a few people in Muslim garb at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception here in D.C., but I was not sure if they came to pay homage to Mary or just tour. I think we Catholics ought to be careful before we presume too much of what Muslims today think of Mary. The lines in the Quran quoted by Sheen are impressive but that does not mean that Muslims either know them well or interpret them as we would wish. Hence, I am merely posing a question here. If any of you know of good sources that answer the question of the Muslim stance on Mary I would be grateful if you can point it out. The answer to this question has a lot of bearing on my speculations to follow.

Astonishing Fact – I must say, I have always considered it nothing less than astonishing that Mary should appear in a town called, of all things, “Fatima.” Surely this is no mere coincidence and, as Sheen aptly points out, heaven does nothing without purpose. That we are not to merely pass over this detail, is very clear to me. One of the more well known modern titles of Mary is “Our Lady of Fatima.” Fatima is the daughter of Muhammad. This is hugely significant.

Third Secret of Fatima? For many years, before its revelation, I was sure that the Third Secret of Fatima had something to do with the Muslim question. Frankly I figured it likely described a great conflict with the Muslim world that would arise and lead to great suffering for the Church, even a kind of Babylonian captivity, but that ultimately Mary’s Immaculate Heart would triumph by the power of God. Imagine my chagrin when the third secret was finally revealed with a less than worldwide, apocalyptic content. Granted, the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II was a serious and significant matter but it was less than the worldwide conflict I had expected. It is also true that his would-be assassin was Muslim, but the plot was likely more communist and Russian in origin. In the end my theory was rocked back on its heels and fell flat.

But still we are left with Fatima. Why Fatima? Why a town bearing the namesake of Muhammad’s daughter? It seems clear that Mary will play an important role in the years ahead as the Muslim/Christian conflict likely grows sharper. Perhaps, as Sheen notes, she will be the bridge that connects two vastly different cultures, the common mother who keeps her children talking. Right now this connection seems little pursued, even, as far as I can tell, by the Vatican. But here too allow a question from me. Are there any of you who know if Our Lady of Fatima has any role in Vatican-Muslim dialogue?

The Guadalupe connection – I wonder too if the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe presents some historical parallels to our current struggle with the Muslim world. In the early 16th Century in Mexico, missionaries had made only meager progress in bringing the Aztec people to Christ. It was a combination of the sometimes rude and cruel treatment of the indiginous people by the Spanish soldiers, and also of the fearful superstition surrounding the Aztec gods. These gods required horrific human sacrifices and kept the people locked in with this fear that, unless they fed these gods, their greatest god, the sun, would no longer shine.

Into this fearful and suspicious setting entered Mother Mary. The miraculous image she left in 1531 was richly symbolic: Her face is a mother’s face, gentle and compassionate, unlike the frightful Aztec gods who wore fierce masks. Her features seem to be both an Aztec and European, two cultures are combined in kindness and peace. Her attitude is one of humble prayer, so she is clearly not a god. She is a merciful mother who consoles and prays for us. She is to be honored but not adored. The black band around her waist means that she is with child and offers Jesus to the people. Her message is about him. The sun was the greatest of the Aztec gods and, by standing in front of the sun, Mary shows that she is greater than all their gods. The moon represented to them the god of darkness and death. That she is standing on the moon is a sign that these powers too have been defeated by the son she bears.

Mary brought the breakthrough. Within ten years over 12 million Mexicans came to Christ and entered the Catholic Church.

This history is paralleled in many ways today in the current tensions with the Muslim World. In many Muslim lands today conversions are few. Part of the reason for this is a strong aversion for the western culture from which Catholicism comes. Another reason includes many alleged grievances that Muslims have of American and Western “mistreatment.” Finally, a large factor is fear. Leaving the Muslim faith is likely to get you killed in many parts of the Muslim world. So, it is a combination of a wide cultural gulf, alleged grievances, and fear, that keep conversions low. All not unlike 16th Century Mexico.

Is Mary key? It took Mary to bridge all these similar gaps between the Aztecs and the Christian Missionaries. Might Mary also be that bridge today when similar gaps divide? Time will tell, but one of her greatest Modern titles is Our Lady of Fatima. And then, there is the crescent moon upon which Mary stands in the image of Guadalupe. In modern times the crescent moon is the symbol of Islam. Mother Mary of Guadalupe, by God’s grace, was victorious and overcame the false religion of the Aztecs with love and humility.

Might this crescent moon on which Our Lady of Guadalupe stands also point to our times, and the crescent moon of Islam? Might it indicate that her victories, by God’s grace, are not at an end. Perhaps we can hope that what our Lady of Guadalupe was to the Aztec people of Mexico, Our Lady of Fatima will be to the Muslim people of the world”

St. Maximilian Kolbe, a great Marian devotee, had similar hopes. His mission was to bring all people, including non-Christians, to Christ through Mary

Mary and the Crescent Moon: A symbol of her victory over Islam?

One of the primary sources for the crescent moon in Marian imagery is the Book of Revelation (12:1), which describes “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” The woman in this vision is often interpreted as the Virgin Mary, representing both her personal holiness and her role as the Church. The moon beneath her feet symbolizes her victory over darkness and her reflection of divine light, much as the moon reflects the light of the sun.

The crescent moon in Marian art also signifies purity and humility. Unlike the sun, which radiates its own light, the moon reflects light, symbolizing Mary's dependence on God’s grace rather than her own power. This aligns with her role as the Mother of God, chosen not by her own merit but by divine will. The waning moon beneath her feet also represents the triumph of Christianity over pagan or earthly influences, reinforcing Mary's role as the Queen of Heaven.

Artists throughout history, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, frequently incorporated the crescent moon into depictions of the Immaculate Conception. Spanish and Flemish painters, such as Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, often portrayed Mary standing on a crescent moon, emphasizing her role as the sinless and exalted mother of Christ. The moon also appears in Marian titles such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, where it reflects both biblical symbolism and indigenous Mesoamerican imagery, integrating Catholic and local spiritual traditions.

During the medieval and early modern periods, particularly in Catholic Europe, the crescent moon in Marian art came to be associated with the triumph of Christianity over Islam. This interpretation developed in response to historical conflicts, such as the Reconquista in Spain and the battles between Christian and Ottoman forces, where the crescent was widely recognized as a symbol of the Islamic world.

One of the most famous instances of this symbolism is found in depictions of Our Lady of Victory or Our Lady of the Rosary, particularly after the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. This naval battle saw a decisive victory of the Holy League, a coalition of Catholic states, over the Ottoman Empire. Pope Pius V attributed the victory to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, leading to the establishment of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. Many artworks from this period depict Mary standing on a crescent moon, sometimes accompanied by symbols of conquest over the Ottoman forces.

Similarly, in Spanish art and devotion, particularly in depictions of the Immaculate Conception, the crescent moon under Mary's feet was sometimes interpreted as a sign of Christian dominance over Islamic rule, especially after the fall of Granada in 1492, which marked the completion of the Reconquista. The use of the crescent moon in Marian imagery during this time reinforced the idea of divine favor for Christianity over Islam.

Our Lady’s role in Catholic/ Islamic conflict throughout history

The Battle of Lepanto and the Rosary

One of the most significant events highlighting Mary's intercessory role against Islamic forces is the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The Ottoman Empire, aiming to expand its dominion into Europe, posed a formidable threat to Christendom. Pope Pius V recognized the gravity of the situation and called upon the faithful to seek Mary's intercession through the recitation of the Rosary. He organized rosary processions and urged Christians to implore the Virgin's aid. The subsequent victory of the Holy League's fleet over the Ottomans was attributed to Mary's intervention. In gratitude, Pope Pius V instituted the feast of Our Lady of Victory, later renamed Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7th each year.

Marian Imagery as a Symbol of Protection

Art and literature from the post-Lepanto period often depict Mary as a warrior figure, symbolizing her protective role over Christendom. A striking example is a 17th-century pamphlet from a Dominican rosary confraternity in Cologne, which portrays Mary holding the infant Jesus while standing atop a decapitated Ottoman soldier. The imagery emphasizes her as a divine protector against Muslim adversaries, with inscriptions urging her to "fight for us" rather than merely "pray for us."

Theological Perspectives on Mary's Intercession

Theologians have long emphasized Mary's role as an intercessor in times of peril. The "Sub tuum praesidium," one of the earliest known Marian prayers dating back to the 3rd century, implores her protection: "We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin." This prayer underscores the early Christian belief in Mary's protective mantle over the faithful.

Saintly Devotions to Mary in Contexts of Islamic Encounters

Throughout history, various saints have turned to Mary during confrontations with Islamic forces. For instance, during the Reconquista in Spain, St. James the Greater was often invoked as "Matamoros" or "Moor-slayer," but Marian devotion also played a crucial role. The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, founded in the 13th century, was dedicated to ransoming Christians captured by Muslims. The order's members sought Mary's guidance and protection in their perilous missions, viewing her as a liberator of captives.

Mystical insights into Mary's protective and triumphant role

Mystics have also attested to Mary's intercession against Islamic threats. St. John of Damascus, living under Muslim rule, emphasized Mary's role as a protector of Christians. In his writings, he extolled her as a "mighty defense" and a "tower unassailable," highlighting her power to safeguard the faithful from adversaries. His devotion to Mary provided solace and strength to Christians living in predominantly Muslim regions.

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (17th-century mystic) predicted a period of Islamic power followed by a great Catholic renewal, led in part by Marian devotion. Later Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich had visions of battles between Christians and Muslims, in which Mary played a decisive role in converting many to Christianity. Even St. Louis de Montfort spoke of Mary’s ultimate victory over all heresies, leading some to extend this to include Islam.

In conclusion, we see that Mary’s presence in the Qur’an and Islam is an intriguing theological phenomenon. While Islam reveres Mary, it does so in a way that strips her of her true identity as the Mother of God. Nevertheless, her exalted status in Islam presents an opportunity for dialogue and hopefully evangelization! (But definitely not as a tool to promote ecumenism and religious indifferentism!)

Voices within the Church, from Fulton Sheen to Catholic mystics, have suggested that Mary may play a role in bringing Muslims to Christ. The imagery of the crescent moon beneath her feet could symbolize her future triumph over Islam, bringing its adherents to the truth of Christ as the One and Only Savior.

In the end, as Catholics, we trust that the Woman clothed with the sun continues to intercede for all people—including those who do not yet recognize her Son as Lord.

Ave Christus Rex!

Recognise & Resist!

ALSO READ:

You have been a bad, bad pope… but how bad?

A beginner’s guide to problems with the Second Vatican Council

Playing Church Destruction Bingo with a mythical Masonic document

A bunch of ‘mentally imbalanced’ Popes, Saints, and Theologians begs to differ with Pope Francis

To obey, or not to obey – that is the question

Pope Francis’ latest attempts to dismantle Catholicism and the Night Adorer devotion