FT Mufti Dept says permissible for non-Muslims to use 'Islamic phrases'

 

It is permissible for non-Muslims to use phrases such as “Alhamdulillah” (all praise be to Allah) in daily conversations as long as there are no intentions to mock or insult the religion, the Federal Territories Mufti Department affirmed.

In a post on its website today, the department said non-Muslims’ utterance of such phrases, which it said are Islamic in nature, is allowed if used in the correct context and does not demean the sanctity of Islam.

The department’s clarification on the hukum (ruling) for the matter comes amid heated public debate after PAS MP Siti Zailah Yusoff questioned Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s use of various “Islamic phrases” in the Dewan Rakyat.

Voicing concerns that Nga’s use of the phrases could lead to “confusion” among Muslims and non-Muslims, the opposition lawmaker also urged Nga to “embrace Islam” if the DAP leader is genuinely interested in the religion.

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Nga’s deputy, Amanah’s Aiman Athirah Sabu, has since criticised Siti Zailah’s comments, highlighting that the expressions used by Nga are phrases of praise and acknowledgement of God’s power, with the terms not exclusive to Muslims.

Occasional usage common

The department today noted that in the context of Malaysia’s plural society, non-Muslims occasionally use phrases originating from Islamic teachings, such as “Alhamdulillah”, “InsyaAllah” (if Allah wills), and “MasyaAllah” (Allah has willed it) in their daily conversations.

Such incidents, the department said, are normal as interactions across cultures and religions often lead to imitations of practices, whether intentionally or otherwise.

Citing a hadith, the department explained that if a non-Muslim says “Alhamdulillah” after sneezing, it is permissible for a Muslim to respond by saying, “may Allah guide you,” “may Allah grant you good health,” or similar phrases.

However, referencing a statement from Persian Islamic scholar Ali al-Qari, the department said it is not permissible to use terms that seek forgiveness or mercy for a “kafir” (infidel) as such blessings are exclusive to Muslims.

As such, the department said it is permissible to pray for divine guidance so that the hearts of non-Muslims may be inclined towards embracing Islam, especially since some Islamic practices have already become familiar to them.

This then “increases the hope that they may accept Islam as their way of life.”

“However, if the intention is to insult or belittle the sacred phrases of Islam, then such behaviour must be prevented and avoided, and one should refrain from sitting with them,” it added.

It also outlined several guidelines that must be observed when a non-Muslim wishes to use Islamic phrases, including how such terms should not be used derisively.

It stressed that usage of such words should also not be turned into commercial material or slogans that distort their original meaning.

Additionally, references should be made to Muslims to explain the true meaning of such phrases so that they are used correctly and appropriately in a situation, the department added. - Mkini