Read it first then consider the facts. I hope you all could think back and see this is issue in a different point of view. You are free to give your own judgement as I would always say "Different people have different opinions, dosen't mean that we are always right and the others are always wrong. It could be that you are the one thinking wrongly and the others are right".
So lets take this as a lesson and feel free to give your opinions.......... ^_^
warning: Read with an open mind
The "Allah" issue in Malaysia
by Zainal Abidin Adlin
by Zainal Abidin Adlin
Assalamualaikum, Peace Be Upon You.
This goes to all you Muslims and non-Muslims reading this with an open mind.
However, this is a Malaysian issue so if you're non-Malaysian, you'll have to do some extra background reading.
The reason for why am I even bothered to write this is because I feel that people are becoming blatantly sensitive and picking sides without actually understanding the problem. Being a fan of unity, tolerance and the intellectual revolution, it saddens me to see the people of my country fighting about while being in a state of ignorance and arrogance.
There are basically 2 main groups of people. One is for the usage of "Allah" as "God" regardless of religion. These people are mostly non-Muslims and non-Malay. The other one is against it and demands that "Allah" should only be used by Muslims. These people are mostly Muslims, making them mostly Malays. It's pathetic to see how easily a linguistic issue could lead to a national, racial and religious friction. Now, throw in some constitutional mambo jumbo and you'll get people using "freedom of expression", "freedom of religion" and other fictional freedoms as their argument's foundation.
This goes to all you Muslims and non-Muslims reading this with an open mind.
However, this is a Malaysian issue so if you're non-Malaysian, you'll have to do some extra background reading.
The reason for why am I even bothered to write this is because I feel that people are becoming blatantly sensitive and picking sides without actually understanding the problem. Being a fan of unity, tolerance and the intellectual revolution, it saddens me to see the people of my country fighting about while being in a state of ignorance and arrogance.
There are basically 2 main groups of people. One is for the usage of "Allah" as "God" regardless of religion. These people are mostly non-Muslims and non-Malay. The other one is against it and demands that "Allah" should only be used by Muslims. These people are mostly Muslims, making them mostly Malays. It's pathetic to see how easily a linguistic issue could lead to a national, racial and religious friction. Now, throw in some constitutional mambo jumbo and you'll get people using "freedom of expression", "freedom of religion" and other fictional freedoms as their argument's foundation.
I am going to be critical to both sides.
Now, let's establish some facts first.
1. "Allah" is not a Malay word. It is Arabic.
2. In Arabic, "Allah" does not mean god. It means "God" in a much more specific concept.
3. The Arabic word for god is "ilah".
4. The Malay word for god is "tuhan".
5. Among Arabic speaking people, "Allah" is used by Muslims, Christians, Jews, even pagans.
However, the conceptual definition of "Allah" is differs from "ilah" as such "the sole deity, God the Creator" to "deity, god".
6. Non-Arabic/Sematic & non-Abrahamic religions don't usually use "Allah" to define their God/god/gods.
>What's wrong with the ones AGAINST it?
What is the Islamic creed, the Shahada?
"Laa Ilaha Illa Allah" = "There is no god, but God"
Is your faith that weak or your understanding of your faith that poor that you feel threatened just by someone else calling their God with the same term you are?
If a Muslim does get confused and then converts to Christianity, it simply proves that you other Muslims aren't educating them right. I mean really, how hard is it to differentiate between a religion that believes that there is only one God between another religion that believes that there is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Not only that, it also proves that something is definitely wrong with your system. Have a taste of your own medicine you half-assed Muslims.
The fact is, the Christians believe that Jesus is the son of Allah. The same Allah we believe in. That is our common ground. The biggest difference is, we believe that Jesus is a prophet of Allah. Much more understanding and respect could come out if instead of arguing who should or should not use "Allah", to discussing why your concept of "Allah" is much more logical. That, plus educating you fellow Muslims and children about Islam and why is it distinctly clear to be the correct way of life. Better yet, use Islamic methodologies to fix our judicial, financial, education, political, and welfare system. Lead by example. Don't just tell them you're right, prove it!
>What's wrong with the ones FOR it?
Why on earth do you struggle so much to put "Allah" in your book?
It seems more like a provocation rather than an honest attempt to use a Malay word.
There are so many other terms you could use as God. From the Malay "Tuhan", to the Hebrew "Yahweh", "Elohim" or "Jehovah", the more English "God", "Lord", "Almighty" and etcetera. It's not even a Malay word, so don't claim it's for the Malay version of The Herald.
How many non-Muslims is Malaysia call their God/gods/god by the name "Allah"?
We're not an Arabic speaking country. "Allah" is not even native to the Christians or any other religions. Not only that, there's no "Allah" in Mandarin,Tamil or English. So if it's not traditional to you language-wise, culturally or religiously, why fight for it like it's your bloody right?
Think about it this way. This is hypothetical so use your imagination. Assume you're a Hindu in ancient Greece. Would you claim to use "Zeus" as Krishna, Vishnu or Rama? I doubt it. You would most probably use "Theos" which is Greek for "God".
>MY Conclusion
1. Using "Allah" to represent the unadulterated concept of "God" in Abrahamic faiths is fair enough.
2. The Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka) should define what "Allah" means in Malay more specifically. So even if a non-Muslim uses that term for the sake of using the Malay language, its meaning is clear enough.
3. Muslims should put more effort in improving the state they're in rather than going amok over trivial matters. If non-Muslims could only see what true Islam is all about, you wouldn't have time to worry about apostates cause you'll be too busy taking care of reverts.
4. Non-Muslims, especially the Catholics should understand the situation of the country and be more matured. Don't tell me you're not expecting a retaliation when you take this matter to the High Court. Clearly you don't respect the people around you and their feelings. What next, the Buddhist pilgrimage to Nepal would be called "Hajj"?
5. Malaysians, come on. You're better than this. How much longer are we going to allow ourselves to be systematically divided and conquered?
Again, I hope you would all read this with an open mind and forgive me for my less than polite language. Feel free to comment, criticize, share, even re-post this around and tagging people if you think that it's worth reading. I am sorry if there are any errors in the points I've made or as a Muslim would say, Wallahu 'Alam, God knows best.
Wassalam, Peace be with you.
Now, let's establish some facts first.
1. "Allah" is not a Malay word. It is Arabic.
2. In Arabic, "Allah" does not mean god. It means "God" in a much more specific concept.
3. The Arabic word for god is "ilah".
4. The Malay word for god is "tuhan".
5. Among Arabic speaking people, "Allah" is used by Muslims, Christians, Jews, even pagans.
However, the conceptual definition of "Allah" is differs from "ilah" as such "the sole deity, God the Creator" to "deity, god".
6. Non-Arabic/Sematic & non-Abrahamic religions don't usually use "Allah" to define their God/god/gods.
>What's wrong with the ones AGAINST it?
What is the Islamic creed, the Shahada?
"Laa Ilaha Illa Allah" = "There is no god, but God"
Is your faith that weak or your understanding of your faith that poor that you feel threatened just by someone else calling their God with the same term you are?
If a Muslim does get confused and then converts to Christianity, it simply proves that you other Muslims aren't educating them right. I mean really, how hard is it to differentiate between a religion that believes that there is only one God between another religion that believes that there is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Not only that, it also proves that something is definitely wrong with your system. Have a taste of your own medicine you half-assed Muslims.
The fact is, the Christians believe that Jesus is the son of Allah. The same Allah we believe in. That is our common ground. The biggest difference is, we believe that Jesus is a prophet of Allah. Much more understanding and respect could come out if instead of arguing who should or should not use "Allah", to discussing why your concept of "Allah" is much more logical. That, plus educating you fellow Muslims and children about Islam and why is it distinctly clear to be the correct way of life. Better yet, use Islamic methodologies to fix our judicial, financial, education, political, and welfare system. Lead by example. Don't just tell them you're right, prove it!
>What's wrong with the ones FOR it?
Why on earth do you struggle so much to put "Allah" in your book?
It seems more like a provocation rather than an honest attempt to use a Malay word.
There are so many other terms you could use as God. From the Malay "Tuhan", to the Hebrew "Yahweh", "Elohim" or "Jehovah", the more English "God", "Lord", "Almighty" and etcetera. It's not even a Malay word, so don't claim it's for the Malay version of The Herald.
How many non-Muslims is Malaysia call their God/gods/god by the name "Allah"?
We're not an Arabic speaking country. "Allah" is not even native to the Christians or any other religions. Not only that, there's no "Allah" in Mandarin,Tamil or English. So if it's not traditional to you language-wise, culturally or religiously, why fight for it like it's your bloody right?
Think about it this way. This is hypothetical so use your imagination. Assume you're a Hindu in ancient Greece. Would you claim to use "Zeus" as Krishna, Vishnu or Rama? I doubt it. You would most probably use "Theos" which is Greek for "God".
>MY Conclusion
1. Using "Allah" to represent the unadulterated concept of "God" in Abrahamic faiths is fair enough.
2. The Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka) should define what "Allah" means in Malay more specifically. So even if a non-Muslim uses that term for the sake of using the Malay language, its meaning is clear enough.
3. Muslims should put more effort in improving the state they're in rather than going amok over trivial matters. If non-Muslims could only see what true Islam is all about, you wouldn't have time to worry about apostates cause you'll be too busy taking care of reverts.
4. Non-Muslims, especially the Catholics should understand the situation of the country and be more matured. Don't tell me you're not expecting a retaliation when you take this matter to the High Court. Clearly you don't respect the people around you and their feelings. What next, the Buddhist pilgrimage to Nepal would be called "Hajj"?
5. Malaysians, come on. You're better than this. How much longer are we going to allow ourselves to be systematically divided and conquered?
Again, I hope you would all read this with an open mind and forgive me for my less than polite language. Feel free to comment, criticize, share, even re-post this around and tagging people if you think that it's worth reading. I am sorry if there are any errors in the points I've made or as a Muslim would say, Wallahu 'Alam, God knows best.
Wassalam, Peace be with you.
Well, considering the facts I hope you all could think back and see this is issue in a different point of view. You are free to give your own judgement as I would always say "Different people have different opinions, dosen't mean that we are always right and the others are always wrong. It could be that you are the one thinking wrongly and the others are right".
So lets take this as a lesson and feel free to give your opinions.......... ^_^
19 Indignations:
hormat saya begitu tinggi pada manusia yang menulis semua di atas.
i absolutely agree with you.
come on msia!
don't be fooled with a simple misunderstanding.
keep the peace of this nation!
tulis dalam dua pandangan.
bijak.
dan islam tidak membenarkan perang melainkan sesuatu telah mengancam.
'we' are NOT ALLOWED to make the first move.
sedangkan zaman nabi dulu, walaupun mereka hampir menang peperangan tersebut,
hanya kerana pihak lawan mengangkat Al-Quran sebagai tanda menyerah kalah dan ingin berdamai,
perang dihentikan.
dan mereka uruskan dengan perdamaian.
subhanAllah.
sayang..
tidak semua yang islam itu mampu berfikir seperti ini..dan tidak semua yg tidak islam itu mampu mengerti seperti ini..
kita terlalu banyak dipalsukan dengan ideologi yang kononnya penghayatan islam sejati..tp lebih banyak melahirkan bangsa yang kini hanya tahu mencabar, hanya tahu menghuru-hara, hanya tahu sendiri yg betul...
pandangan yang pada saya juga sangat baik..tahniah~
walaupun x kenal sape yg memberi komen2 ni tp trime kasih atas pandangan msg2
Why does it anger muslims worldwide when others depict the prophet SAW? It is bcoz the issue is beyond pictorial. It is sad when u take the issue as a linguistic bcoz the intent is malicious. I dare for the Pope to praise Allah instead of god which is will never happen. I love peace but i can differentiate which is kafir harbi n which is kafir zimmi. I'm not afraid if this is not popular, but the truth will prevail.
aku pun rase sebenarnya due2 pihak cari pasal.tapi logik jugak punca2 mereka2 jadi macam nh.i mean,no wonder kenapa mereka amik tindakan sebegitu. walaupun outrageous,ianya tidak lah di luar fikiran.bagi aku, orang2 melayu nh(aku lebih selesa panggil melayu,malu nak gelar mereka Islam) hanya melatah.mereka buat apa yang mereka rasa patut. mungkin kerana meraka rasa isu penggunaan nama Allah ini sebagai permulaan.bila penggunaan ini dah boleh pakai,makin2 lah pihak sana menjadi2.itu yang orang2 melayu rasa,pada pendapat aku lah.tak perlu lah fanatik sangat mempertahankan pengunaan kalimah Allah itu seolah2 ianya perlukan pertahanan luar
Allah hu Akhbar.
I'm glad that i read this.
nice thought, couldn't agree more.
a very good point of view..lihat dan kaji dengan akal bukan nafsu.
think before act..
sejak post bende alah ni makin ramai org2 x kenal komen ...... yg peliknye cmne ah diorang leh tau........ satu persoalan
bc dr blog fynn jamal la..
dia letak link kt situ
maafkan saya yang terlupa mengkhabarkan saya terlalu kagum dengan tulisan teman abang anda.
saya orang yang terlalu jauh cetek akalnya. mencari2 jawapan dalam hidup.
sekali lagi.
maaf.
sy dah lama terfikirkan hal ni tp memandangkan sy bukan skola agama-based, sy xbrani kuarkan komen pasal ni..
sy berasa xsalah mereka mahu menggunakan nama Allah sbb dah mmg mereka mempercayai Allah sebagai tuhan mereka. Cuma, mcm post di atas kate, beza terbesar kite adalah soal jesus itu..
Pada saya itu hak mereka utk gunakan nama Allah asalkan bukan digunakan untuk dicaci maki..
sangat bersetuju.
saya dah pun bertanya pada seorang ustazah.
dia mengatakan tidak salah bagi mereka untuk guna perkataan Allah.
cuma perlu betul penggunaannya.
tidak ada unsur maki hamun atau caci cela.
mungkin kita terlalu cepat melatah.
Malaysia terkenal dengan aman dan damai.
saya harap ia takkan berakhir dengan perbalahan sebegini.
mudah-mudahan.
oh ya.
terima kasih atas entry ini.
:)
this is very well written! many many thanks for coming forward, i am glad i came across this piece. peace be with you and all malaysians!
well written, kudos!
terima kasih kepada Allah swt ,
kerana telah memberikan buah fikiran yang baik buat kamu. teruslah menulis. terima kasih .
tulisan yg sgt bagus...alhamdulillah
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