Who’s your reference on the use of ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims? – Ravinder Singh

There can be only one point of reference regarding the use of the word “Allah” by persons who do not profess the religion of Islam. That point of reference has to be the Prophet himself and no one else, not even kings and presidents, let alone muftis and politicians.

Sallehin Mukhyi, state exco for Islamic affairs in the PKR state government of Selangor is the latest to jump onto the bandwagon of pronouncing that the word “Allah” has been copyrighted to Muslims in Selangor (if not Malaysia) while there is no similar copyright to it throughout the rest of the Muslim world.

Dear Sallehin Mukhyi, in matters of religion, no mortal, however high his status in society or position in politics is up and above the prophet of that religion. In other words, no human should use his worldly position and power to override the Prophet.

If you believe that you will have to answer to Allah in the akhirat, then please qualify your statement that every non-Muslim in Selangor is prohibited from using the word “Allah” by quoting the relevant verses in the Quran that say so.

Tell us when and where and on what occasion the Prophet said that the world “Allah” was sacred to Muslims only and that his followers should stop all non-Muslims from using this and other Arabic words that the Arabs used in prayers.

Is it permissible, or halal, for any Muslim to go against the teachings of the Prophet for his political ends or for any other purposes?

Please be humble and true to the teachings of the Prophet. Show us proof that it is the Prophet’s instructions that are being implemented and not those of humans who have vested interests out of political expediency or for some other reasons. 

Please bear in mind that if you cannot show proof that the actions of mortals to prohibit non-Muslims in Selangor (or Malaysia) from using the word “Allah” are fully in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet, then you are only bringing disrespect to Islam.

From what I see around me, the akidah of the Muslim umat is very strong and there is no way they can be confused by non-Muslims using the word “Allah” in their places of worship. So don’t ring false alarms.

*Ravinder Singh reads The Malaysian Insider.