Symbols of Faith
BAHA'I -- The Nine Pointed Star.
A simple nine-pointed star is generally used by Baha'i as a symbol of their faith. The number nine has significance in the Baha'i Revelation. Nine, as the highest single-digit number, symbolises completeness. Since the Baha'i Faith claims to be the fulfillment of the expectations of all prior religions, this symbol, as used for example in nine-sided Baha'i temples, reflects that sense of fulfillment and completeness
It also represents the nine signs in the Baha'i faith: (1) Progressive revelation; (2) the Bab; (3) Baha'u'llah; (4) Abdu'l-Baha; (5) The Guaradian; (6) Baha'i administration; (7) Unit; (8) Principals and teachings; and (9) Becoming a Baha'i.
BUDDHISM -- The Dharma Wheel
is the symbol of Buddhist life, the endless circle of birth and rebirth, and also represent the Buddhist teaching or Dharma. The Buddha's first sermon is called "Turning the Wheel of the Dharma." The wheel often has eight spokes, which stand for the noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
CHRISTIANITY -- The Cross
is the main symbol of Christianity. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. It emphasises not only his obedient suffering, undertaken for the salvation of humanity, but the power of his risen life.
HINDUISM -- The OM
represents the letters A U M in Hindi, which is the sound of the sun. A--creations, U-preservation, M-destruction. The three letters represent the trinity of God in Hindu Dharma (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). They also represent the states of wakening, dream and deep sleep and the three planes of existence: heaven, earth and the netherworld.
ISLAM -- The Crescent and the Five-Pointed Star.
The crescent represents progress and the five pointed star, light and knowledge. The moon is also the appointed sign of times and seasons, fast and feast, and governs the Islamic calendar. The five points of the star can be taken to represent the five pillars of Islam, the essential elements of the Muslim faith.
Jainism -- Palm
The raised hand is a symbol of protection and blessing. In Jain belief there have been twenty-four great teachers called Tirthankaras. Thus the wheel in the centre of the palm is divided into twenty-four segments. In the middle of the wheel is the word ahimsa, meaning non-violence and reverence for life, one of the five principles of Jainism.
JUDAISM -- The Menorah.
A multi-branched candelabra has long been used to signify Judaism, and is used in rites during the eight day festival of Hannuka. The eight receptacles are for candles or oil and the ninth is a servant candle (shammash) from which the others are lit one by one on each day of the festival. The menorah is also a reminder of the seven branched golden candelabra of the Tabernacle which celebrated amongst other things the seven days of creation. The central raised branch represents the Sabbath.
SIKH -- The KHANDA
A powerful symbol, is the insignia of the Sikh faith. The central doubled-edged sword, used by Guru Gobind Singh to prepare Amrit, is referred to as Khanda. It signifies divine strength, truth, freedom, justice, and the Sikh belief in One God.
The inner circle, Chakkar, represents the Oneness of God who is without beginning or end, Oneness of humanity. This Chakkar was used by Sikhs as a war weapon against injustice and oppression. Guru Gobind Singh himself and all his Sikh warriors wore the Chakkar on their turbans as part of the battle dress.
The Chakkar is surrounded by two swords call Kirpans which symbolise the twin concept of Miri (temporal sovereignty) and Piri (spiritual sovereignty) introduced by Guru Hargobind, to represent the equal emphasis that a Sikh must place on spiritual aspirations as well as on obligation to society.
Zoroastrianism -- The winged Figure
The winged disc, representing divine protection is the symbol of Ahura Mazda. Some argue that the figure is not of Ahura Mazda but symbolises the divine grace people seek. In the left hand of the figure is a ring, representing cosmic sovereignty whilst the right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing.