Pahang prohibits non-Muslims from using ‘Allah’

PEKAN, Jan 15 — Non-Muslims in Pahang are prohibited from misusing the word of “Allah” and 34 other words associated with Islam, said its mufti, Datuk Abdul Rahman Osman. 

He said this was enshrined under the Administration of Islam and Malay Customs of Pahang Enactment 1989 which carries a fine up to RM5,000 or imprisonment up to two years or both upon conviction. 

Non-Muslims are barred from using the word in statements, speeches, publications or broadcast for it could mislead and affect the faith of Muslims, he told reporters here today. 

He was commenting on the hullabaloo over the use of the word “Allah” which erupted after DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, in his Christmas message, urged the federal government to allow Christians to use “Allah” in the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible. 

Abdul Rahman said the issue should be resolved by enforcing the enactment and abiding by the edict passed by the Muzakarah (Conference) of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs to avoid disputes, disunity among ummah, and confusion in the society.

In Kuala Lumpur, former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said the PAS Syura Council’s decision, which was wise and timely, should be observed by party leaders and members. 

“We have to stick to that decision and not personal views,” he said when contacted today. 

Nasharudin, who is Bachok MP, said the Syura Council members must have made the decision after looking into various aspects. 

“They are not only concerned with political views and the pressing need to preserve Islamic harmony, but also in the context of the Malaysian society itself. 

“Indeed, it is inappropriate for other religions to use the word ‘Allah’. This issue should not be politicised for personal gain. 

“If you are serious about defending the Islamic faith, you should seriously defend the Syura Council’s decision,” he said, adding that he did not attend the Syura Council meeting for he was abroad.

In Seremban, Negeri Sembilan mufti Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad said Islamic affairs institutions should be consulted on issues involving Islam and Muslims while political differences should be set aside. 

He said it was worrying when certain quarters questioned the decision made by religious authorities and the Muzakarah of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs. 

Negeri Sembilan forbids non-Muslims from using the word “Allah” under the Control and Restriction (The Propagation of non-Islamic Religions Amongst Muslims) (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 1991, he said in a statement today. 

In Semporna, Sabah Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nasir Tun Sakaran asked PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat to repent and apologise to Muslims over their earlier statements that non-Muslims could use the word “Allah” in the Bible translated texts. 

“As leaders, they have to be careful when they are talking about religion and not to take Muslims sensitivity lightly. Muslims remain steadfast in the Islamic faith,” he told reporters after visiting the Kampung Pulaggu Mabul polling district at Mabul Island here today. — Bernama