Kedah ruler Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has decreed that the term "Allah" is exclusive for Muslims and that non-Muslims are prohibited to use the word.
In a statement, the ruler urged the people to immediately stop debating on the issue to ensure the continuity of harmony in the state.
"The word Allah is a special name for Allah. Allah does not give birth and is not born. He named himself Allah and Allah is only worshipped by the Muslims.
"The non-Muslims are not allowed to use the sacred word at all, except for the purpose that is not associated with Allah and his creation," the ruler (above) said.
"To ensure the continuity of (our) harmony, regardless of religion and race, I urge Kedahans to immediately stop debating, let alone teasing the sanctity of the word Allah, as enshrined in syariah laws and laws that being enforced in Kedah.
"Keep in mind that if the issue is not being addressed carefully under the rule of law, I am very worried that, in the end, the people will be caught up in never-ending arguments and endless enmity, which could threaten the harmony of life and stability of the state and nation.
"As the head of religious affairs in the state, I once again remind all parties to abide by and to be loyal to my decree to ensure the sanctity of the word Allah and public peace," Sultan Sallehuddin added.
The ruler's decree was uploaded to the Kedah state government's social media site today.
On March 10, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled that a Christian Sarawakian, Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, had the right to use the word Allah for religious and educational purposes.
In the long-running saga, Jill Ireland initially instituted an action for the return of Malay-language Christian CDs and religious books seized by Customs officers in 2008 at the Kuala Lumpur Low-Cost Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, Selangor.
In her application, Jill Ireland sought, among others, a declaration that it was her constitutional right to access Christian publications in the exercise of her right to practice religion and the right to education, as provided for under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.
Umno and PAS, through Muafakat Nasional, later urged that the High Court's ruling be referred to the Court of Appeal.
The home minister and the government have since appealed against the High Court ruling. - Mkini
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