Although this sword is a Kilij, I think the maker and/or the owner must have been Shi'i. As it is Shi'ites who have a great reverance for Ali, the nephew of the Prophet Muhammad. A Sunni Owner/Swordsmith would have just stuck to 'La Ilaha Illa Allah, Muhammad Rassool Allah". 'There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God'.
I also believe that six pointed stars are a common symbol in geometric arabesques. Indeed stars in General are frequently shown in Arabesque patterns.
|