National Council for Islamic Affairs delves into non-Muslim use of 'Allah'

The Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) today discussed the issue concerning the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims by outlining complete and comprehensive guidelines, said Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Sultan Sharafuddin (above), who is also MKI chairperson, said the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims was a sensitive issue among Muslims in Malaysia including the use of the word by some Christians in Sabah and Sarawak that should be reviewed and thoroughly examined before a final decision could be made over the matter with full wisdom and responsibility.

“All the decisions reached by MKI regarding the issue of the word ‘Allah’ will be brought up to the Council of Rulers at its next meeting, and with that a policy regarding the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims in the country will be finalised,” he said at the 70th MKI meeting at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was also present as the council’s deputy chairperson.

Meanwhile, the sultan expressed regret over the spread of slander that more than 200 tahfiz schools in Selangor had been ordered to close.

“Indeed, this kind of slander is very irresponsible and I regret it because it has indirectly troubled parents and can erode public trust in religious institutions and religious authorities, especially in the state of Selangor,” he said.

His Majesty also called on those spreading the news to immediately stop the treacherous and irresponsible act.

“I request the police to immediately track down this group of individuals and take legal action against them,” said His Majesty.

The Selangor sultan also ordered unregistered private religious and tahfiz schools to be properly registered to ensure that these schools had a secure and comfortable learning environment for students.

- Bernama