Last December 31, the Catholic Weekly Herald in Malaysia was given the constitutional right to use the word “Allah” to describe God among the Catholic congregation to the consternation of some of Malaysia’s Muslims who say it is exclusive to them. The court’s decision overturned a ban that had been in effect for 24 years.

Some Malay politicians have insisted on exclusive rights for Malay Muslims, while some Muslim groups have argued that Christians using a word so closely associated with Islam could be a ploy to win converts.

Other Muslim groups, such as the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) have said there is no bar to Christians and Jews using the word Allah.

The “Allah” ban is unusual in the Muslim world.

The Arabic word is commonly used by Christians to describe God in such countries as Egypt, Syria and even nearby Indonesia, which is the world’s largest Muslim nation.

Many Muslims outside of Malaysia welcomed the court’s ruling.

“The ban on non-Muslims using the word “Allah” received international exposure and proved enbarassing for Islamic workers, Muslim preachers, and educators throughout the world who have always strived to demonstrate that Allah is the God of all people, the God who sent Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, as well as Muhammad.” laments Abu Muhammad, an Islamic worker from South Africa.

Still, ten of Malaysia’s 13 states have banned non-Muslims from using up to 35 Arabic terms including the word “Allah”, “solat” or prayers and even “masjid” or mosque.

In the Malaysian state of Selangor, non-Muslims are barred from using 25 words either orally or in writing according to the Non-Islamic Religion Enactment 1988 (Control of Propagations Among Muslims). Among the words are Allah, Firman Allah (Allah’s decree), solat (daily prayers), Rasul (prophet), mubaligh (missionary), mufti, iman (faith), Kaabah, Qiblat (direction in which the Muslims pray), and Haji (Muslims who have done his pilgrimage),

Selangor has also banned non-Muslims from using 10 other terms such as subhanallah, insya-Allah, astaghfirullahlah, masya- Allah and Allahuakbar orally or in writing. Those found guilty of using such terms can be fined up to RM3,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.

Similar enactments are found in nine other states but not used in Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and the Federal Territory. Malacca, which does not have a sultan, has banned more words and phrases than most states.

Influential scholar, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (pictured) has come out to ask all states to review their Islamic enactments that bar non-Muslims from using terms and words such as “Allah”, saying laws should be updated from time to time.

“How can we propagate our religion to others if we stop them (non-Muslims) from using certain words?” he asked.

Asri said the government should issue clear guidelines on such usage rather than rely on enactments.

“For example, the words masjid and rasul (prophet) can be used in the proper context… so don’t tell me we will take action against them, or arrest them for using the word ‘Allah’.”

Asri, who was the country’s youngest mufti when he was appointed in 2006 in Perlis until he resigned two years later, lamented that proposals to review these laws in the past have been dismissed without even a chance to be considered.

“I like this issue to be studied because I am worried that Islam will be seen as a tool that is used to pressure other people. I want Islam to be seen as a religion for all, a religion that practice moderation.

“In fact in states like Selangor and Johor, the state anthems use the word ‘Allah’, the police crest has the word ‘Allah’ just like the Royal Navy. They all have non-Muslim personnel so how does it work then.

“That is why we need to redefine the words that can be used or cannot be used by taking into account contemporary needs,” he added.

Asri also suggested that the government take the initiative to review the state laws. The federal government presently has no jurisdiction over religious laws which are under the purview of the states.

“I feel the government should remember that the issue should not be monopolised by the conservatives or traditionalists who want to maintain their position in society. Instead, they should get opinions from everybody if they want to encourage the 1Malaysia concept.”

“The government should invite moderate ulamas and not the conservatives. In this regard, I would like to commend Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who invited everyone to give their views,” Asri said, referring to a recent Institute of Islamic Understanding discussion on the “Allah” issue which involved politicians from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

Sources:

G. Manimaran, “Asri urges review of Islamic laws on banned words” The Malaysian Insider February 15, 2010

“Malaysia charges three over Allah row church fires” BBC News January 29, 2010