Shariah lawyer told to “trademark, copyright, patent” ‘Alhamdulillah’ for exclusive use of Malaysian Muslims

 

SUCH was the online mocking directed at Shariah lawyer Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar after he clarified that Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God) – one common dhikr (remembrance of Allah) phrases in Islam – should be out of bounds for non-Muslims.

“Alhamdulillah is one of the words prohibited from use to refer to non-Islamic religion in most states although not in the Federal Territory (FT),” he posted on Threads.

“If a non-Muslim expresses it to refer to a non-Islamic religion, it is an offence under the Control and Restrictions on the Development of Non-Islamic Religion Enactments.”

The clarification follows PAS’ allegation of National DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming using “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to God) and “sujud syukur” (prostration of gratitude) to deceive and confuse Muslims.

To substantiate his argument, the former Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PPMM) president referred to the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions Enactment 1988 which listed 10 so-called dhikr expressions that non-Muslims should not utter.

They are (i) Subhanallah; (ii) Alhamdulillah; (iii) Lailahaillallah; (iv)Walillahilhamd; (v) Allahu Akbar; (vi) Insyaallah; (vii) Astaghfirullahal ‘Azim; (viii) Tabaraka Allah; (ix) Masyaallah; and (x) Lahaula Walaquata Illabillahilaliyil Azim.

Non-Muslims unfazed

The legal view of the Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Pembela Islam (PEMBELA) chairman was shared on Malay-language Sinar Harian’s Facebook platform. The post has generated 7.2K likes, 4.5K comments and 564 shares which is an indication that this remains a hot topic among many Malaysians.

Quite a few bluntly snubbed Zainul Rijal to “trademark, copyright, patent those words” as starters.

One commenter shared that this was no biggie in the Middle East as locals there delighted in foreigner – presumably non-Muslim – greeting them with such terms.

It was also highlighted conflicting opinions on this matter as espoused by respected religious scholars.

Listen to a lawyer or mufti?

Replying to a query on this very issue on its website, the FT Mufti’s office clarified the matter with a clear, resounding “yes, it was permitted for non-Muslim to use these phrases” so long as “Alhamdulillah” is uttered with the right intentions or used in the right context.

The straight-forward explanation and answer got the thumb’s up from one commenter.

However, not everyone was so enamoured with this official sanctioning of kafir (infidel) usage of Islamic phrases. Some were deeply uneasy at what is perceived as DAP hijacking of these solemn and religious phrases.

Further clarification came from the Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (IKIM) director-general Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil who surmised that the expression in question is actually an expression of faith which refers to confession and praise to Allah yet from a linguistic and customary perspective, it is not limited to Muslims only.

Hence, in the context of a plural society, the ruling on the use of the word by non-Muslims depends on the intention and context, in line with fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) rules which stipulate that the measure of a word is based on its intention and meaning – not merely the word.

His opinion was shared on Astro Awani’s Facebook page which drew plenty of reactions. Again, the general sentiment is such that this was all political theatre to fish for Muslim votes by DAP which is perceived by many Muslims to be anti-Islam.

The divergent opinions highlight what a complex and sensitive issue this is. On the one hand, as sanctioned by the FT Mufti’s office and IKIM, there is nothing wrong with non-Muslims using these phrases in conversation and greeting.

So long as the intentions are pure and does not in any way denigrate Islam, it is permissible according to these learned religious figures.

On the other, there is deep unease among many Muslims as to why a DAP leader who is a Methodist Christian choose to use so many Arabic phrases in his speech.

Has his public relation (PR) move to promote inclusivity backfired? Judging from the tonnes of negative comments from Muslim commenters, it would appear that it has. 

 - Focus Malaysia