PETALING JAYA: The word "Allah" is not restricted only to Muslims as Christians and Jews are also allowed to use it, according to PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
However, the name of Allah should not be used in a wrong and irresponsible manner that could jeopardise racial and religious harmony in the country, he said in a statement.
PAS has warned all quarters not to abuse the issue for cheap political mileage to gain public support as the party strongly rejected aggressive and provocative actions that could jeopardise peace and harmony, he said.
In supporting the High Court's decision that allowed the weekly Herald to use the word 'Allah', he said the principle of freedom of religion was championed by Islam because human beings could not be forced to profess any religion except through their own free will.
"In the Malaysian context, the situation must be considered for the sake of public interest to preserve harmony among the various races and religions," said Abdul Hadi.
Former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said while some Muslims might question the right to use the word "Allah", it was the people's prerogative to practise their own religion.
However, he cautioned that non-Muslims must not use the name Allah as a tool to spread propaganda to insult Islam.
He also saw nothing wrong with using the name Allah in daily interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims such as using the term "May Allah bless you" as long as it is done in a respectful manner.
PKR Religious Understanding and Strengthening Bureau chairman Dr Muhd Nur Manuty said opportunists should not harp on the issue for political mileage.
He said the non-Muslims' request to use the word 'Allah' should be viewed with an open mind.
"This is a positive development. We view this phenomenon as manifestation of human nature to acknowledge Allah as the Creator," he said.
Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia vice-president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ariffin Suhaimi supported the move by the Home Ministry in filing an appeal on the case.
Dr Ariffin said churches would not lose its strength in faith if they did not use the name Allah and continued using the term "God" or "Lord".
Jamaah Islah Malaysia president Zaid Kamaruddin said the issue should be resolved through the legal process.
source - The Star
actually there is nothing wrong to use the name allah for all umah.but in malaysia the Christian has three gods : god the father, god the son, god the holy ghost- trinity. so they have to change to allah bapak,allah anak dan allah ruh.
in the first place why they want to use allah since all this while they never talk about it. now pas leaders and many pkr or dap say dont exploit the situation for political gains especially from umno.. why they make this conclusion. in fact umno leaders asked for calm and perseverance. it is the muslim in general who are not happy including pass members - chek what datuk dr harun din said.
the worst thing even the judge who give the judgement is a non muslim deciding on muslime affairs . it should be refered to the muslim courts and decided by the Agong.
you see who started the mess and now calling for all quuaters especially umno not to take advantages. for god sake use your head and think before you make any judgment.