NEWS & EVENTS
Christians saying ‘Allah’? No worries, mate!
By Kawthar Girach
Musings by the QMT Political Editor based in Singapore
Being based in Singapore, I am privy to the ensuing debate, come conflict, regarding
the use of the word ‘Allah’ by Christians just across the causeway in Malaysia. It
all began when the Malaysian High Court struck down a ban on the use of the word
‘Allah’ by non-
Malaysia is even closer to Singapore than flying from Brissie across the ditch to the land of sheep, New Zealand. It is less than an hour bus ride away, so news there is very relevant and is capable of easily impacting on the lives of Singaporeans. And Malaysia, being a Muslim state, with a delicate balance of a multitude of ethnicities and religions is an interesting case to follow to understand how this balance is or, in the current situation, should have been maintained.
Singapore similarly is a fusion of different ethnicities and religions, but relatively, in recent times, seems to have done a better job at maintaining peace, harmony, and national unity between each group. The four main ethnic groups, the Chinese, Malays, Tamils, and Eurasians each maintain their own culture whilst integrating and influencing each others’ culture including food, clothing, and language, as Singaporeans.
Prior to any bill being passed to become law in Singapore, it is subject to the approval of the President to ensure that it does not in any way infringe on the rights of any of these groups. Malaysia, however, seems to provide a more privileged position to the majority Malays through Article 153 of its constitution, with respect to education, employment, and opportunities in society creating discontentment by other groups. And with the current conflict situation, the Malaysian government seems to be very much losing its grip on social cohesion and harmony in the nation, as well as its reputation as a moderate Muslim state.
It has been claimed by the protestors that the use of ‘Allah’ by the Malaysian Christians is a crafty ploy to ‘confuse’ or to convert Muslims to Christianity. They also suggest that the Malay word ‘Tuhan’ be used as an alternative. However a careful look at history shows that ‘Allah’ has been used by Malay Christians in prayer and in their bible for decades, it isn’t some new innovation with an ulterior motive.
It is only recently that an uproar has been created regarding the usage seemingly
for political purposes. The word ‘Tuhan’ would also not be an appropriate alternative,
as ‘Tuhan’ means Lord or ‘Rabb’ rather than God. These Christians are ‘Ahl-
Burning down churches is appalling; it is against the very essence of Islam, peace. Denying Christians the right to practice Christianity is shameful, and is against the very teachings of our beloved Prophet (SAW).
May Allah pave the way for Islamic ideals of peace and harmony in Malaysia and help us all to follow the perfect guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW)… Ameen.
Copyright © 2010 Queensland Muslim Times. All Rights Reserved.
