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Do you think the word "Allah" is for all to use, or exclusively for Muslims only? (Poll Closed)

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Total Votes: 4,104
60 Comments

  • fishing - 14 years ago

    although m a fan of MS but i will prefer chrome since its DOM is very resembling to IE and and in accordance to W3C but Firefox is just a mess for making trouble specially to the developers and designers..

  • Ahmad Daud - 14 years ago

    Whoever loves God with all his heart, soul and might is a son of God. Whoever despises God is a son of the devil. Indeed Jesus is the son of God. He was a perfect person. All the other prophets including Muhammad were not perfect as Jesus was. That's why Jesus will come back to earth soon (not Muhammad) to take all the righteous living and dead with Him to heaven. That makes Jesus the "Son of the Living God". Christians call God their Father in Heaven. And God in return calls, not only Jesus as His Son, But ALL human beings one earth, and that includes Malays who believe in Jesus, His Sons and daughters. If Allah is a word for God, then the Malaysian Christians call Allah as their father in heaven. And surely this Allah has a Son, Jesus, who was a perfect man and example for a righteous person, And this Allah has many sons and daughters on earth who are righteous. Those who are wicked, hypocrites, and those who are not sincere are sons and daughters of Saitan.

  • Nokie - 14 years ago

    Dear dtan. Peace be upon you.

    There is really no need to persecute anyone be it Christians or whatever per your suggestion.

    Illah is God in Arabic and Al - Illah is The God in Arabic. Allah on the other hand is a proper name (it does not comprise of two words Al and Illah).

    The word Allah, according to several Arabic lexicons, means "the Being Who comprises all the attributes of perfection", i.e. the Being Who is perfect in every way (in His knowledge, power etc.), and possesses the best and the noblest qualities imaginable in the highest degree.

    The Indonesia dictionary states :
    "Allah : Nama Tuhan dl bahasa Arab" [th e name of God in Arabic] (Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, which is the official gov ernment dictionary).

    "Allah : Keberadaan Tertinggi dalam agama Islam " [The Highest Being in the Islamic religion] (Kamus Teologi Inggris -Indonesia by Henk ten Napel).

    "Allah :tuhan bagi umat islam " [the god for the people of Islam ] (Kamus Lengkap Inggris -Indonesia/Indonesia-Inggris Plus Idiom ).

    "Allah : nama tuhan orang muslim " [the name of the muslim's god] (Kamus Inggriss -Indonesia/Indonesia-Inggris)

    There is only one answer to the question of whether its right or wrong to choose "Allah" in reference to the Christian God as described in their teachings.

    An error in translation was made by Dr Melchior Leijdecker in 1731 when bible was first translated into Malay/indonesia. This was later acknowledged by the Indonesian Churches and the word Allah was changed. The copies of the bible that got into Malaya was never changed.

    So if an error was created and it is now known, would you want to continue to be in err?

  • dtan - 14 years ago

    Dear Nokie,

    I believe the proper Arabic noun for God literally translated is Allah (The God).
    If the term Allah is an islamic patent. Then you will have to persecute millions
    of Arab Christians that use that term. As well as, millions of Indonesian Christians.

    For your information. Islam is not a theology based religion. It is one based on Jurisprudence. Theology implies canonization and scholars debating scriptural accuracy. I believe Islamists' refer to those people as Apostates. The history of Islamic scripture is hierarchical in nature i.e. passed down from generation to generation.

    The other issue is where does it stop? If you patent Arabic words am I going
    to get in trouble if I use the name of 'Isa'.

  • Nokie - 14 years ago

    Peace be to all.

    The result of this poll is saddening. It looks like both the Malays, who are also the muslims, and the non Muslim do not understand what the real issue is. I can also say they do not know who Allah is and as such thinks that it is OK if Herald uses it to refer to the Christian god.

    The debate over usage of the word Allah is really a theological one!

    The muslims are worried that the word Allah will be misused by the Christians and misuse leads to blasphemy. Blasphemy invites the wrath of God. Something that would be no good to anyone.

    The following verse from the holy Quran describes who Allah is. It was sent down to the prophet Muhammad when he was asked to describe Allah. Chapter 112; verses 1-4 was an answer that came directly form Allah to the prophet.

    "Say (o muhammad) Allah is one, the one and Only.
    He does not beget nor was he begotten.
    And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him"

    Clearly this is not the god as described by the Christians.

    More here where on what Allah says about it in chapter 19 (a chapter about Mary, the mother of Jesus (pbuh) and the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ,

    "And they say: The Beneficent Allah has begotten a son!"
    Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous
    At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,
    That they ascribe a son to the Beneficent Allah
    For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son
    There is no one in the heavens and the earth but will come to the Beneficent Allah as a servant.

    Further (chapter 4 in verse 171)
    O People of the Book(Jews and Christians)! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not "Trinity" : desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.

    I suggest that the Christians use whatever reference to God that Jesus use in his native language of Aramic and not the Arabic word Allah. That would be better for all.

  • Forbidden Son - 14 years ago

    Live..love..n..respect is the key word. We have been using the word "Allah" all the same all this while in our country regardless of race or religion. There's always peace, no trouble, no hatred and we all respect. Why!!! becos we all use the word "Allah" when we pray regardless of who you are. When we stop using the word "Allah" as our God, troubles start. I love all my muslim friends. What make us friend is the common word "Allah" the almighty. Like what has been said by fello friends, "the trian is heading for Afghanistan before proceeding to Iraq, let's jump out.....! Think about that...

  • kmarvel - 14 years ago

    If you people care to look at http://satuhala.blogspot.com/2010/01/gerhana-awal-2010.html, the writer scanned several excerpts from the bible in English, Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia/Melayu. Apparently references to idols/berhala as allah in lower caps in the Bahasa Indonesia/Melayu bible. So, to all Muslims that say that it's okay to use Allah for reference to God in the book that also use allah for the berhalas, what is your stand now?

    Galatians 4:8
    Dahulu, ketika kamu tidak mengenal Allah, kamu memperhambakan diri kepada allah-allah yang pada hakekatnya bukan Allah.

    Exodus 12 : 12
    12:12 Sebab pada malam ini Aku akan menjalani tanah Mesir, dan semua anak sulung, dari anak manusia sampai anak binatang, akan Kubunuh, dan kepada semua allah di Mesir akan Kujatuhkan hukuman, Akulah, TUHAN

  • 3rdClassCitizen - 14 years ago

    You know what. I just dont know how to vote on this poll. Listen up. We (non-Malay) have been all this time being classified as Pendatang. I They dun want us. As clear as crystal. They want us to be out of here. Balik China, Balik Kampung and Balik India. There are too many things here to concern and also too many outside factors. Power crazy and others. They are the goverment of the country and they will always be the government. Why cant they just stop doing all these evil things to the country? Whats the committment in promoting 1Malaysia. Why our country still so low class compare to Thailand and Vietnam? Why Dr M wanna do damages to our country image? Why we got people being bombed and still no verdicts? This is screwed up! and guess what... we are here making comments about who should and whould not use the word "Allah" Well... we have been treated like 3rd class citizen in this mother land which we think we call as mother land but deep down. The gangstar pendatang whom they think they are the native just simply dont realize they themself is also pendatang and want other pendatang to leave this land.

    Dont forget! You were all once a pendatang also. Chinese were here in Malaysia because of Tin Mine. Indian were here because they were sold as a slave. Malay is just happen to be here because they ran away from a fight and they is no such thing call pure Malay. Chinese is also not a pure Chinese. Chinese in Malaysia have been too far from China. They left long time ago and they dont have much of the culture of their mother land but Malaysia Chinese has some how bleed in this land and they worked hard in the tin mines and the have sweat and bleeding in this land before. Same goes to Indian who came to Malaysia as Estate Workers.

    But dont forget the ppl in East Malaysia. Who is the Native?

    You bunch of wankers in the government fighting for power? Please la de! Native is not you. Native is those who from the jungle and east malaysia.

    Sorry... I just dontk now how to vote. Too confused by all these monkeys!

  • JTidol - 14 years ago

    I'm amazed that this has escalated into such a big deal. The decision has been made by the High Court..so live with it and respect that decisions! What is up with the church attacks, Malaysians? Are we that shallow? If this is an issue, why wait till now to bring up this issue when that Word has been used for years in rural churches in the past?

    Why doesn't the govt of Arab Saudi, Indonesia or any of the muslim countries see this as an issue but Malaysia do? Our government and certain Rakyats are making this country a joke. First, yoga..then the Word 'Allah"...and now "Facebook"...my goodness!

  • nkw - 14 years ago

    I admire your ability to weed out the petty issues that people inject into race,religion & politics; & making your own decisions and opinions based on decency, justice and fairness. I can only imagine the pressures that you face from some people of your own community & religion.
    I am not a fan of your father but somehow he has brought you up right.

  • paul kho - 14 years ago

    It is very childish to argue whether one can use the word Allah. I find that it is the over educated people who hold and rule the Nation that create this unnecessary religious issue. Whatever name one wants to use in God's name is the same. Why create tension after all death has to come to everyone why cant live in peaceful co-existence. Please who ever powerful people please dont create such uncallled for isssue if one needs to be in power please gain the popularity with clear consciounce.

  • zez92 - 14 years ago

    I suppose you can't change people's mind so easily. With all sense of respect Madam i would like to say thank you for opening this topic to public. As a muslim and a human being i respect all of the views here. No matter what they say it is up to the opinion of each human being. I would like say a bit about people's views.

    When we were children we see the world in two; light and darkness but when we grow up we see shades and grey. If we could all go back to that time when little obstacles stood between us than it wouldn't be any problem. But times change and like any generation we all have differences.

    But our era is not an ordinary era. Should we not be able question everything in the world today without any restriction? We need to keep pressing foward not holding down every idea! All i'm saying is that some of the ideas from the past might be irrelavant to be used today. We need to breakdown the barriers of the past to move foward towards the future! Of course some might say we cannot do that! But if you think back even they had done the same thing. I'm not going to say anymore. Thank you hope things can return to normal in the fastest way possible.

  • zain - 14 years ago

    The poll question is not complete - should state "IN OUR COUNTRY" (see below).

    If one is Smart, one would know that EVERY Country in UNIQUE.

    Malaysia has been Very mature in our stance that we respect NOT TO MEDDLE with Other Country's INTERNAL problems/issues. As one can NEVER undertand the sentiments of the rakyats of that country, their traditions, their way of life, their beliefs, their history, their background, THEIR UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT.

    So, if we Ourselves are Smart & Open, ie. NOT Narrow-minded (& kunun sebok nak "equal" that we Ourselves had Forgotten that life is NOT merely black & white), we'd Readily, & UNDESTANDABLY, Accept to put the unique feature of our own country & put it in the polls, as per following:

    I'm a Muslim: YES, "Allah" may be used by ALL in our country.
    I'm a Muslim: NO, "Allah" is exclusively for Muslims in our country.
    I'm not a Muslim: YES, "Allah" may be used by all in our country.
    I'm not a Muslim: NO, "Allah" is exclusively for Muslims in our country.

    Again, a fact that everyone knows is that life is NEVER perfect. Everyone's Unique & that is how it is here in Our Country, if everyone CARES to See/Learn, Understand & Accept. There ARE gray areas is Not Simply Just black & white in everything - c'est la vie - everywhere & anywhere in the world.

    & That's when the give-and-take/tolerance comes into place.

    - when we care to understand the majority. i.e. Just as one would Naturally & Immediately/no questions asked, would do & just Accept the country & ALL that come with the country, if one were to migrate to any country in the world.

    - when we ourselves are unselfish enough to realize that we, as Sincere citizens of this Muslim Majority Country, care to honestly realize & appreciate how the majority had accepted the minorities, for centuries.

    Wassalam, Datin Paduka.

  • minimalist - 14 years ago

    This train is heading to Pakistan, and I am getting off!

  • joker - 14 years ago

    If you can.t convince all that GOD and ALLAH IS ONE
    How are you going to convince Malaysians to be 1MALAYSIA?

  • Azlin - 14 years ago

    Marina my dear,
    I have never felt so angry after reading those 25 'divine' words that have been declared 'untouchables' by people of other faiths...Ya Allah..what are these clowns trying to do??
    And these are the same group who had given the wrong advised to Tuanku Sultan Selangor...and made Selangor state a mockery...We dont need these people...I know its a tricky business but i pray that the state government must react quickly...before they commit more blunder..May Allah protect all the sincere believers of Truth...

  • rw - 14 years ago

    Not that muslim are not interested becuse their religion is perfect one...the only thing is that they get more confuse now..it already stated since 1986 there are 25 kalimah cannot be used by non muslim, so you cannot compromise with. No point to discuss. You must know these: (1) Ketuanan melayu (2) ketuanan raja-raja melayu (3) ketuanan umno (4) ketuanan bahasa melayu (5) ketuanan islam and etc....

  • shtamaths - 14 years ago

    GOD is the GENERATOR, OPERATOR AND DESTROYER
    GOD is the ALL MIGHTY, OMNIPRESENT
    GOD is the MERCIFUL
    GOD is ALLAH, BHAGAWAN, TAO, JEHOVAH, AND MANY OTHER NAMES
    GOD's Name should not be blaspheme
    GOD's Name should always be praised
    GOD's Name should be respectfully praised in any language
    GOD's Name can be use by any human being disregard their religion, creed, nationality, size, age, gender or position in a respectful way
    No other person can ban another person from Praising GOD
    GOD's

  • CashmereMist - 14 years ago

    A couple of years ago, I was watching a Malaysian documentary featuring Muslims in China. So there was this Chinese Muslim man with a songkok-like headgear, talking about his life as a Muslim in China. When my mum saw his name, our conversation went roughly this way:

    Mum: How come he's got a Chinese name?

    Me: Because he's a Chinese

    Mum: He's a Muslim, then shouldn't he have a Malay (sic) name? (by her saying this of course she meant a more "Muslim" name)

    With this conversation, I actually had a sudden realisation that there's an existence of some people (not excluding my mum) who are within the comfort zone of believing that the world revolves around their religion and customs. Well, I'm definitely not faulting this niche of people as that's the upbringing that they were brought up in. Though the least I think we could do is reach out to them, and offer a different perspective. That's what I did to my mum. After all, that's for sending me to school and allowing me to get an exposure on global perspective.

    Having mentioned the above, I don't find it surprising that there're extremists who reacted the way they did (not implying that I support their actions...far cry from that, in fact). After all, the root of most evils I believe is ignorance. I guess that's the case for them. These folks have yet to have that realisation that there's a whole world out there apart from their little cocoons brom being brought up basing on what their ustaz' had been preaching them since young.

    I'm quoting Nurwangi's comment "They may feel that it is ok to enter a church cos Allah is worshipped there also."

    I feel that there's absolutely nothing wrong in entering another place of worship. Pardon me, if I'm not aware of any regulation in Malaysia pertaining to this practice...but I personally feel that as long as you are a firm believer of your own religion, then your beliefs can't possibly be swayed just from entering the doors of a church/temple/synagogue. After all, it all boils down to understanding one another's cultures.

    1) I entered Kwan Im temple for a school project...observed the worshippers' rituals, with my Buddhist friend sharing with me the logic behind their customs.

    2) I was in a Catholic church for a friend's wedding...there's so much sensitivity shown by the priest when he mentioned that non-Catholics in the group need not kneel when the Catholics are doing their prayer as part of the ceremony.

    3) I was one of the lamp bearers for my Hindu friend during her wedding at a temple in Little India.

    Having gone through the above, that doesn't mean I'm any less of a Muslim. Though someone might think otherwise, I believe it's between me and God/Allah.

    I saw on one of my friend's Facebook stating that Marina's blog was featured in Singapore's Straits Times regarding her stance on this whole issue. I have yet to see it for myself...but yes, be known that you do have fans from across the Causeway *hand raised*! Really refreshing to be reading your balanced intellectual opinions. And yes, I do second some of the readers who feel that Marina should go into politics :)

    As for my Malaysian friends who've been affected by the tragedy of the past week, my heart goes all out to you.

  • syarifali - 14 years ago

    when u say Allah= the only true one God(Tuhan), everything depend on Him,no beget nor begoteen, and nothing same with Him.He The Creator, He dont have needy,He ALready Exist,He Infinite,He dont need His creation to survive, The Most Powerful,

    when u say God(Tuhan)= which God do u mean? God who die,needy?God who have family?or human God?or Greek God zeus?God Sang Dewata Raya,Tuhan yesus?Tuhan roh kudus(holy ghost)?or Tuhan krishna?

    many God but what characteristic of God u worship?

  • syarifali - 14 years ago

    which God u worship?
    God the creator Allah almighty
    jesus the son of God
    or.......Holy Ghost

  • paul - 14 years ago

    i learn Allah as Almighty God 30years ago Because i studied in malay medium my English was not good at age 10, i am 40s now. We studied Bible in malay language totally. if only one god 'ALLAH' the proper word to use. if separate Muslim GOD & Christian GOD, What is the proper word for malay speaking CHRISTIANS ? (Sabah & SArawak) if the word "ALLAH" can be used By indonesian christians without any problem why not Malaysian christians?

  • PeacePromoter - 14 years ago

    Yes, everybody can use the word Allah. In fact we muslim believe that Allah is the God of the universe. I strongly believe here that WHAT MATTERS IS NOT WHO USE THE WORD ALLAH, BUT HOW IT IS USED. If the word is used to describe the God as described in the Quran, then nobody will protest, no matter who the author is. But if the word is used to describe Jesus or Brahma or Vaheguru or Budha, then the question will arise, who are they talking about?

  • Comeonlah - 14 years ago

    A few observations:

    1) The current controversy we're facing now was started in 1986 during Dr Mahathir's time as PM. Similarly, the amendment to Article 121 of the Federal Constitution (1988) which basically says that any matter over which the Sharia Court has jurisdiction cannot be decided in the Civil Courts. Remember the countless heartaches it caused and the violent retaliations by some Muslims? So if we want to blame anyone for this state of affairs in the country, we know who to blame now.

    2) During the demonstrations held on 8/1/2010 at various mosques, there were banners carrying the words, 'Jangan Cabar Kami'; 'Kami Berikrar akan pertahankan agama Islam'. It is strange that though it was the Muslim majority government that initiated this conflict, when Christians reacted (not violently mind you), Muslims perceive it as as an attack on them. One can't help but feel that Muslims here are aggressor pretending to be the victims! Hello, if this is not clear, I'm not surprised that they get confused when the word Allah is used by others.

    3) I believe Najib may be partly right when he said, don't blame these arson attacks on UMNO. Maybe he didn't order them but he didn't have to, knowing full well that some rank and file Muslims wanting to ensure their place in syurga (and the sensual pleasures that await them there) would take it upon themselves to do some kind of jihad in order gain pahala. If push comes to shove, there'll not be a shortage of men wanting to be suicide bombers!

    4) How could former US President Bush call Islam a religion of peace when Saudi Arabia has a sword on its flag? He obviously didn't see it.

  • zez92 - 14 years ago

    Look the concern for the word "Allah" has never been a problem by any religion. The problem is with the "conservative muslim" they are the ones at fault that kept on saying the word is for only muslim. I am a muslim myself and i can see that they invent their own lies. Some liberal muslim do not agree with the conservative but the conservative still advances to say this is Islam.
    I would love to debate this issue with them if only given a place in this cyber world. But from my experience with this type of muslim they are thick headed and they won't budge no matter what even if fact smacks them in the head!

    In the end either party needs to back down... not to add more to the fire but i believe this time the conservative muslim needs to step down. Just because of a single word they would let harm and danger to be spread. I don't care how many of them say this is the word for muslim i will not agree with them!

  • pangloss - 14 years ago

    What really gets me is how some leaders keep bleating on about how our society is so special it can't cope with ONE god having the SAME name, and that we need two or more names, or this will further confuse we poor confused and sensitive Malays!!! It's gotten so that these two adjectives define our very nature. Personally, I find it insulting.

    The latest today from someone in the PM's office is that the ban is based in history. I'm not sure what this history is because religious and academic texts suggest that the word "Allah" has pagan origins and existed in the Semitic languages before it came into Arabic to be used by all Arab worshippers before the advent of Islam. Pre-Islamic texts note that it was used to refer to the chief of the many idols worshipped by the Meccans. Perhaps the gentleman in question refers to the more recent "history" when our government banned its use.

    They really want to watch what they put out to back their statements. I believe all our problems (not just religious - hygiene, road manners, etc.) are a failure of our education system. The arguments used, such as those above, show how simplistically and illogically our minds have been taught to work. To say we would be confused about issues from calling H1N1 by its proper name (Rais Yatim - "swine flu") to this issue of one God being referred to by one name when, conversely, we should be insisting on it!

    Having been brought up a monotheist, my government now insists that God be referred to by different names. In God's name, WHY???

    Commandeering the word "Allah" is not a civilised or intellectual action, neither has it any justifiable basis. I suggest we all do more delving into this issue. Acceptance, understanding and history (not to mention God!) are not on our side if we insist on denying our non-Muslim friends the nomenclature they and Arab Christians have used for decades and centuries. I truly fail to see what justification we have for this belligerent, arrogant, ignorant and ill-conceived stand. I'm truly upset that this issue should even have arisen, and that I am expected to erase what I've been taught and believed in for the last 60 years and substitute it with something unfathomable, and I believe, intolerant. This is what we expect Malaysian Christians to do today.

  • gorut - 14 years ago

    MM.. be a politician. u surely win. succeded ur father b a PM

  • Felix Charles ginajil - 14 years ago

    First of all a million thanks to those fare minded people eg MM. I Salute U.

    I am a Christian & I use both English & Indo-Malay version of the BIBLE. I know I may be apprehended for having this Indo-Malay BIBLE version & I know very well that it will be taken from me by force if they caught me with it.

    Here I like to share my opinion on the use of this HOLY word "ALLAH". Until now I have not seen or heard any Christians insult ISLAM. So who is actually insulting ISLAM? Ponder for a while then ask youself again.

    Well, let me elaborate why we Christians too can use the word "ALLAH". In M'sia where multilanguage is used, when we Pray in English we utter "GOD", when we pray in Malay we utter "ALLAH" or TUHAN ALLAH", when we pray in Kadazan we utter "KINOINGAN", when we pray in Dusun we utter "kinorohingan". The Melanaus in Sarawak use the word "ALLAH" when they pray because this word is part of their language.

    So, we have been using the word based on "LOGIC". One Malay Muslim I read in the internet not long ago suggested we should use the words "Elohem", Yahwe and so on. Yes! by all means, if we pray in Hebrews yes we utter these words.

    Another proof which strenghtens our share in the use of the word "ALLAH" is stated in the KAMUS DEWAN. Now, Who can tell us that the word "ALLAH" is exclusively for Malay Muslims? Who can tell us that we shouldn't learn some words in the KAMUS DEWAN?

    To my fellow Muslims M'sians citizens, please broaden your understanding. we are not going to rob the word "ALLAH" from you. We never hate you. we never despise "GOD". We only use the word in PRAYER. We don't utter the word outside Prayer like you often do. Many times the sermons in the Mosque humilates Christians, but we never go to streets to protest, we never burn Mosque, we never quarrel with you. We accepted the humiliations because we know you did not understand our existence. We only pray so that our faith become stronger & stronger each time we are humiliated. The court decided that we can use the word because the court knows best. Please don't burn the court.

    Peace be with YOU my muslims brethren.

  • Norlisa - 14 years ago

    Just like a marriage ..husband and wife will be arguing among each other due to their difference, thats why they must respect each other. In this scenario, if Malaysian Muslim insist that Allah used exclusively by M,sian Muslim, other partner must respect Muslim wishes.
    Another point, we must settle matter like this based on local( within Malaysuian) contact , needs and culture. It wont be appropiate to quote from other country, because their culture, community etc would be different from us.
    Lastly, the result of this research would be invalid because :
    a) How sure are we that those who ppl really Muslim or Non Muslim? Just like those "PONDAN" who torch those Church. How sure are we they are Muslim? Let the Police investigate first before made accusation and jump to the conclusion that all Muslim is fanatic and before insulting all Muslim and Malay
    b) In any research there should be equal number reperesenting of each comparison study, but again due to above reason, I still not confident about this result.

    To be frank most of Muslim malaysia that i met, were not happy is Allah used by those publication, due to the hidden agenda within. Exception would be among Liberal thinker just like kak Marina and the others. Sorry kak Marina, of course you are entitle for your own opinion , just like mine. Being expose with ppl from various background and religion even during my oversea staying, I have come across with so many ppl from other religion who had insulted my religion ie Muslim and my race ie malay . So sad, now ppl still bashing my religion as well as race, and even worse my country.

  • Jessie - 14 years ago

    Well AM no reces. me am Pagan !! well i do respect all ppl in different culture or races, although my dad a Chinese pure and mum kadazan dusun, well i dont gv a damn all thous things , because all we ppl are remain the same only our moral believer ,, and this earth is only have one "HE".. and all ppl SHOULD know what understanding are and the world of peace .. ALL should know what they from they kids till now "BACA IKRAR" Which only know what is harmony ...what with a small things want to go to big things??? this earth and human all are REMAIN the SAME>> only difference is Female and Male!!! WHAT RUKU NEGARA FOR THAT WE ALWAYS READ??? WHAT THATS FOR?? for me im not christian not Muslim i respect ALL.... respect that is important... WORD or ALLah is been use so many years for Muslim and CHristian in Al-quran And the BIble ,,,, Pls WORLD WAKE UP!!!! TUHAN ALSO CALL ALLAH , GOD ALSO CALL ALLAH ....Christian use in God malay version in bahasa call ALLAH ... whats wrong ??? Peach WORLD.... no harm no fight no violence.... NO DIFFERENCE~~Respect each other...ALL REMAIN THE SAME~~~

  • Nur - 14 years ago

    Malay Muslims must respond to their exernal environment. Engage others outside of our faith by explaining clearly what we do not want or do not need from non-Muslims.
    We are not cowards and no one has been the best example of that, than the Prophet, himself (pbuh).
    We dont damage properties to curb fellow human beings rights and privileges.
    We dont sabotage an airliner and drive it into buildings to murder fellow human beings.
    We do not subscribe to the siege mentality !

  • Roulph - 14 years ago

    I was raised as a Christian in the UK but traveled the world as a child with my parents and even went to a multi faith school in Malaysia during the 1960’s.

    In my travels both as a child and later as a soldier I have seen many wars that are supposedly about religion but are really about money and power in places like Lebanon and Northern Ireland. One thing is common to all of them and it is that the vocal fanatics few play on the ignorance of some people to drum up hate and suspicion.

    When I was nineteen I was in Gibraltar and the local shop owner was an old Muslim man from Pakistan who had served with the British Army in Burma during the Second World War. I noticed that he shut his shop a few times a day and on Friday lunch times and asked him why, not knowing much about the Muslim faith I was surprised when he explained to me it was for his prayers. Over the next few months I spoke to him many times about his experiences through the war and we became friends and he told me more about his religion. I was surprised how much we had in common and it became a sort of a game to find out what customs were similar, such as lent and the fasting month. Facing Mecca for him when he prayed and the direction that old Christian churches face so that the location of the alter means you facing the holy land when you pray. The most interesting fact was when we talked about the stories in the Koran and bible and how they were basically the same in so many respects. When I was posted he made me a gift of an English translated Koran which I have read and in which it uses the word god rather than Allah. I am still a Christian, although maybe not a good one, but I feel that instead of stressing the differences between Christianity and Islam the world would be a better place if we stressed the similarities.

    A final though I have many Arab friends around the world many of whom sent my family traditional Christmas cards saying things like “God Bless your family for the New Year” I somehow don’t think that they were referring to some separate or different god when they sent them.

  • NKK - 14 years ago

    As the word Allah, though Arabic in origin, has made its way into BM, anyone who speaks or writes in BM, should be allowed to use it respectfully, to wit, to use it solely to refer to the One God Almighty, regardless of the speaker/writer's religious affiliation.
    As an example, the word is found in several of our state anthems to refer to God; surely, these anthems were meant to be sung not just by Muslims in the respective states.

  • Tie - 14 years ago

    Im a 15 year old girl this year.
    When I read the newspaper, I felt sad and disappointed.
    What happened to us in Malaysia?
    We are known as the unique country, multiracial and united.
    What happened to the slogan, 1 Malaysia? Isn't it all about unity?
    We children and teenagers are trained from young in school to love all races and religion, to respect it.
    But, don't you think now they are actually giving us the wrong example?
    This issue, is causing hatred among religion.
    Don't you think that religion is a sensitive issue and it has a boarder?
    Everyone should not cross that line.
    Even when I talk to my friends in school about religion, I will tell them like,"Hey,religion is a sensitive issue right? So think before you talk"
    and everyone will agree and talk with complete respect.
    Make peace, not war.
    I don't want the same thing to happen.
    Remember there was war between races last time in Malaysia?
    My tuition teacher told me about it.
    Shouldn't we take that as a lesson and not repeat it?
    I'm not good with words, as words fail me.
    I'll just end with my last phrase that I suddenly thought in my mind.
    "United we stand, Divided we fall"
    -Disappointed Student

  • Shaikino - 14 years ago

    Peace,
    In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
    IS THE WORD “ALLAH” IN ARABIC (GOD) EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE MUSLIM?
    Answer: NO!
    It is surprising to notice that most of these Muslim brothers and/or sisters feels offended and do not know that the word "Allah" is the Arabic word for the word "God". Many of them believe that "Allah" is the name of the Muslim God. They do not realize that the word "Allah” does not belong exclusively to the Muslims and that it has always been used before (and after) Islam by the Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians when they speak about God.
    The weakness of the Muslims in their religion of Islam is the facts due to the lack of reading in their own language to understand it rather keeping on reading Quran Arabic texts without understanding it since when they was a child till adult. They even prefer to have Quran reading competition in Arabic rather in their own language. They claimed by reading the Quran in Arabic will eventually make them more righteousness even though they don’t understand it. It is like the donkey carrying great works of literature.
    [26:198] If we revealed this to people who do not know Arabic.
    [26:199] And had him recite it (in Arabic), they could not possibly believe in it.
    [54:17] We made the Quran easy to learn. Does any of you wish to learn?
    [44:58] We have thus clarified it in your language, that they may take heed.
    Furthermore their guardians (leaders, ulamas, teachers, parents, king, scholars, mazhabs and etc which they make fatwa for them. The word fatwa mean: Fatwa are formal legal opinions issued by a recognized religious legal authority. Fatwas are most frequently issued in response to questions about living everyday life in accordance with religious law.
    [6:159] Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD (Allah), then He will inform them of everything they had done.
    [30:32] (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.
    [42:14] Ironically, they broke up into sects only after the knowledge had come to them, due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a predetermined decision from your Lord to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the later generations who inherited the scripture are full of doubts.
    When the Judgment Day of God (Allah), the disbeliever will say:
    [33:67] They will also say, "Our Lord, we have obeyed our masters and leaders, but they led us astray.
    [34:32] The leaders will say to those who followed them, "Are we the ones who diverted you from the guidance after it came to you? No; it is you who were wicked."
    [34:33] The followers will say to their leaders, "It was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative of GOD (Allah), and to set up idols to rank with Him." They will be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they not justly requited for what they did?
    The majority of the Muslims who gave their comments on this issue “Allah” in this chedet blog do not have solid proofs to support their claimed, they simply blah, blah and blah. They even fabricated lies and attribute to God that the word “Allah” is exclusively to Muslim only. What a blasphemy?
    [24:15] You fabricated it with your own tongues, and the rest of you repeated it with your mouths without proof. You thought it was simple, when it was, according to GOD (Allah), gross.
    [7:71] He said, "You have incurred condemnation and wrath from your Lord. Do you argue with me in defense of innovations you have fabricated - you and your parents - which were never authorized by GOD (Allah)? Therefore, wait and I will wait along with you."
    Every human being have brain to use and verify it for themselves but they take their guardian (leaders, ulamas, teachers, parents, king, scholars

  • CT - 14 years ago

    Siti Mariam - I agree that Allah/God is shaking his head at us!
    Just to share on a recent trip to Syria, we a group of Malaysians both Muslim & non-Muslim visited the Umayyad Mosque and stood in front of the tomb of John the Baptist, and a small baptismal well, while our Syrian Muslim guide explained to us why he is permitted to marry a girl of Christian faith or a Jewess because "we are all children of Allah" and conversion is not an issue.
    And Syria has a bad rep for "terrorism"??
    For all who have God or Allah in their hearts, blesings be upon you.

  • CT - 14 years ago

    Siti Mariam - I agree that Alah/God is shaking his head at us!
    Just to share on a recent trip to Syria, we a group of Malaysians both Muslim & non-Muslim visited the Umayyad Mosque and stood in front of the tomb of John the Baptist, and a small baptismal well, while our Syrian Muslim guide explained to us why he is permitted to marry a girl of Christian faith or a Jewess because "we are all children of Allah" and conversion is not an issue.
    And Syria has a bad rep for "terrorism"??

  • Melvin - 14 years ago

    ... it is just a word. True faith comes from the Heart and not from the mouth, Language is a God ("Allah") given blessing to us to communicate... How can humans decide what and what cannot be done with it and use it against religion, I am a Christian and I have so many muslim friends who drinks "mamak" with me and we share so much common interest. I do not want this to end! and end up I become an enemy of my own very close friends just because of a WORD.

    Those who selfishly demands "Allah" as a reserved word for the their own usage, are against equality and totally contradicts the Nations ONE OBJECTIVE, which is 1 Malaysia...

    I say if Allah is for Muslim in Malaysia does it mean in the future God will also be kept only to be used for the English speaking Muslim in 2020. Does that mean soon Churches will not be allowed to use words like Penyayang, cinta, pengampunan, maaf ...etc. Aren't we suppose to create a generation to CINTAILAH BAHASA MALAYSIA...

    God ("Allah") is our creator and will judge us by our obedience and our fellowship towards him, He is not our English or Bahasa Malaysia Teacher who will penalize and judge us by our grammar.

    I felt suddenly is Malaysia's minority of Muslim's (Extremist) are slowly turning into terrorist by throwing bombs... What next? Suicide bombing. If this happen it will totally reverse all the hard work & sacrifices put in by our fore fathers who fought hard for our independence and unity.

    To all Muslim friends I say "God Bless you all" as I am sure our ancestor Abraham worshiped the same God ("Allah") as you and I and as we were created by One God, Satu Allah, I would say that you are all my brothers and sisters and let us all create a vision of ONE MALAYSIA! - Amen

  • david ng - 14 years ago

    Marina, I salute you for publishing a balanced article on the use of the word Allah with the sole intention of fostering harmony in the country. I am confident you have achieved some success, even though it is impossible to measure how much.
    Undoubtedly, Islam and Christianity as very similar religions. I am a Christian, I respect the true Muslims, and I have Muslim friends. Let us keep looking at our similarities so that our differences will fade away.
    I am happy to hear of the goodwill shown by a lot of Muslim after today's bombing of a few Churches in the Klang Valley.
    Marina, you are Prime Minister material. I wish you would go into politics and you will not only be the first woman Malaysian PM but I have the confidence that you will be the best PM in Malaysian history. You may save the country yet! Keep up the good work.

  • Najam - 14 years ago

    BismiALLAH hirRahmaan hirRaheem,
    Salamu alaikum,

    We know that ALLAH is the Most Beneficient, Most Merciful.
    Instead of restraining malay christians from using the name-word ALLAH,
    all malay muslims should welcome it. Actually if they want to show respect
    for the Holy-Name they should themselves Not use the false-name 'god'.
    And also request the christians not to say that ALLAH has a son. Those who
    believe in ALLAH and are christians - they are the closest to Muslims, this is mentioned in the Quran. Hope they understand and makes sense to them.
    with regards, Najam

  • zez92 - 14 years ago

    How on earth did the problem escalate from just a simple word?
    I ask in the times before and after Islam came to the Arabs what is the word used for God in their language? Allah yes. And when Islam spreads around the world the word Allah changed to Tuhan,God, and many more but it all refers to the Almighty right? So if the conservative muslim imply that Allah is only used for Muslims than why don't they take the name Tuhan and God along with it?
    There are no gods except God, we cannot take a direct interpretation of the sentence from arabic, but we understand that God is One! But the fear of confusion of losing the word so called the "Islamic word" for God is frankly just foolish!
    If we look back in history the christian, the jews and Islam all used the word Allah to refer to the Almighty so what is so confusing?
    Tell me is it so confusing if the christians used the name God and Jesus together? Why are you not angry about that? Because you think that arabic languages are God's language. But you should not say such things for God knows every language and He knows what the meaning is.

    This problem will just rise more and more even the christian will get hurt and start to rebel if we don't take a tolerant step! Though I want to observe how our goverment solve this issue.

  • Samuel Goh Kim Eng - 14 years ago

    ONE MANKIND UNDER GOD

    When we can accept the fatherhood of God
    With the brother/sister-hood of mankind
    There's no need to debate between gourde and cod
    But may we learn to all fellow human beings be kind

    (C) Samuel Goh Kim Eng - 080110
    http://MotivationInMotion.blogspot.com
    Fri. 8th Jan. 2010.

  • Nurwangi - 14 years ago

    Allah is an arabic word meaning *God* It depends who the Christians are referring to when they use the word *Allah* If Allah is God the Father then I suppose it is okay but if they mean Allah to be Jesus supposedly Son of the Father than I think then it should not be used by them. Therefore I feel that it can be misleading for muslims. They may feel that it is ok to enter a church cos Allah is worshipped there also. Nope..it can be dangerous though I feel that Allah is after all the One God every creation worships regardles of race and religion..sufi thought..

  • ©YPHE® - 14 years ago

    I have a suggestion, why don't *non-muslim/kafir/non-believer *rename/write on the *magazine/bible (not Injil) using the *name/Name of their *god/God as *Allah/Alloh/Alah/al-ilaah/ilah in every ENGLISH EDITION (not just in MALAY EDITION) and YES including their *BIBLE/Al-Kitab and publish it throughout the world. PEACE

    *What's is a Name?

  • Tony HO - 14 years ago

    my dear brothers and sisters,

    we are all one.the origin of the world is one,the origin of religion is one,the origin of man is one.Trace our ancestors to just 30 generations,we would come to about 2.8billion people. our parents have their fathers and mothers too.Just go and calculate.
    The language of GOD is love through good vibrations.

  • tom - 14 years ago

    All ah is to be used by all...

  • gorutum - 14 years ago

    "ALLAH" s Arabic word. y should other nation claim it 2b theirs?

  • Vincent Raj - 14 years ago

    The fact that Arabian Christians use it, i rest my case!

  • ghost - 14 years ago

    MM
    your poll is kinda imbalance for my options are limited to either "i agree with you" or "disagree with you".

    personally, i have no qualms if "the word" (see how i purposely refrain from using it?) is quoted by anyone... whatever happened to freedom of speech (and words)?

    suddenly i realized i'm living in a very primitive, so called boleh-land whose elected leaders are mulling over "words" to define their said beliefs.

    i honestly hope their children/grand children aren't getting the same ill treatment the public is vexing off...

  • zari - 14 years ago

    No wonder Indonesia has been the target for extremist. Muslims are the enemy of muslims. Ptuih..

  • kooi seoh wah - 14 years ago

    A good friend of mine sent me the article on controversial views on the word 'Allah' and after reading it, feels your views as expressed therein are the most tolerant and also backed by quotations from the Holy book. May your article be publicised far and wide for all respectable Muslims and Chrisitians to read and digest.

  • Ravi - 14 years ago

    Very perceptive choices you have there ... I must congratulate you for that.

  • Joe - 14 years ago

    I'm Atheist .. and nobody can tell me, how should i call god (would I even listen?).I fully respect every religion in the World, but there is a Boarder.It's thin, but there is one. And this is behind. And just think about it .. can you actually tell somebody to not use the word Allah for God ? that's just stupid and hilarious at the same time.

  • awangkassim - 14 years ago

    Race culture is taking too much space and living Islam at the corner in a Malay 'house'. It's time for Islam to take centre stage for the public to know better.
    The Malays should go forward in not only reading the quran but also to understand what's the meaning.
    iqra' marabuka...

  • Walski69 - 14 years ago

    Aunty Mariam - I fully agree. As I've mentioned elsewhere, it's an emotionally charged NON-ISSUE.

    Putriseye - If you're not happy with the results thus far, rather than scrap it, why not invite your friends to vote as well? Of course, I'd be more than happy if the participation included as diverse a sampling.

  • Putriseye - 14 years ago

    It's seems that this blog mostly are read by the non-muslim...The muslim are not interested in joining the her blog...that's why the result are as such..
    Scrap this please..

  • Siti Mariam S Osman - 14 years ago

    Peace on Earth. We are all one. At the end of the day we all go "bye-bye". Let's not waste time on this. Allah is probably shaking his head........He might just want to knock some sense into all of us..........

  • r - 14 years ago

    what language does god speaks?

  • Walski69 - 14 years ago

    Zurairi - agreed. So, spread the word about this survey far & wide - I'd prefer as wide a cross section of opinions as is possible.

  • Zurairi AR - 14 years ago

    Walski, considering the audience of your blog, would the results be skewed? Maybe we need to get this out to the conservatives as well. Hehe

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