use or not to use...the unnecessary spat!


Some mind disturbing issues and incidences surfaced lately. One of which is the issue of the usage of the word Allah in a Catholic bulletin recently. It all started after a ruling by the court and followed by an open nation wide opposition by the Muslim. I do not have the slightest idea as to how and why it becomes an issue now. Firstly, I am sure the bulletin has been on circulation for months if not years in Malaysia. Secondly, it was claimed by the Churches that the word Allah has been in use for ages.

I wonder why after Christianity has been here for ages, only now the Catholic feel the urgent need to use the word Allah in their monthly bulletin. If at all the usage is permissible in the name of Christianity or Islam, why is it only now the Churches feel it deemed priority to use it.

I have many Catholic friends and I have never heard them mentioning the word Allah as their God. They named Jesus or Isa as their God. I have also read the Bible but forgive me for being naive, I have not come across the word Allah in the Bible referring the Almighty Allah as God to Christianity, be it in the Old Testaments or the new ones. I maybe wrong or have not read the whole book but if it is normal to use the word Allah, I am sure it is visible everywhere in the Bible.

I have also read books and listen to some of the well known speakers on comparative religions such as Ahmad Deedat, Dr Zakir Naik, Yusuf Estes, Dr Mamdouh Mohamad, Yassir Fazaga, Dr Bilal Phillip etc etc. I do not remember listening to the word Allah being used as God to Christians. The usage of the word Allah as God to Christians is still rare if not alien.

In Malaysia, where religion is still considered taboo to be discussed openly, everyone should be more cautious, practice extra element of tolerance and with high degree of sincerity. This should be the utmost priority when addressing the issues of religions.

The ruling of civil courts will not in anyway prevent followers of any religion not to adhere to its verdicts be it constitutionally or other wise. It is simply because religion is something that relates to spiritual and faith whereas courts deal with man made law and regulation.

The recent incident should be a lesson to all. Nobody is a loser though there is no winner too. It is the nation and the majority we are considering and not the minority section of society who seems to be too keen to be in the `spat` for reasons known to them. May Allah Bless Us...

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