“ALLAH” IS NOT MALAY – A UNIVERSAL WORD
Post and edited by gkm2020
Dear Honorable People,
Reflecting on the law and religious sentiment
On my many research and readings, I found an article written by Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi, an Arab descendant and an Emeritus Professor of Law at UiTM and Visiting Professor at USM, very interesting and without prejudice. I agree with his thoughts and I edit in good faith to promote; A Common Word Between Us: An Agenda for Peace and Change!
“Allah” is not Bahasa Melayu Malaysia. Allah is not Malay, Allah is a universal word and for all humans regardless of races, ethnics, politics and religions.
We all live once, we all must finish well. We all believe in the same God, we share our respective faith together to live in solidarity, peace and harmony. If we all care, others will care too. Power and Politics won’t last forever, God judge the Power and Politics.
Finding the middle path – the peaceful way
It is not always right to use our rights. In matters of religion, history, logic and reason must not apply exclusively. Emotions must be regarded. Racist, extremism and political interest must be controlled and stopped.
THE desecration of several places of Christian worship must be condemned as a shameless and mindless atrocity. A democratic society does not resolve disputes through violence.
It is obvious that we have in our midst a lunatic fringe that has no understanding of religion or of the Constitution or of the traditions of tolerance and multi-culturalism that made Malaysia an exemplar for all other plural societies.
In the midst of gloom it is heartening to note that a large number of Muslims, including the Prime Minister, have joined grieving Christians to condemn this outrage.
Church leaders have shown exceptional restraint and have been true to their faith by condemning the sin but forgiving the sinners.
Resolved “Allah” issues admirably through holiness
We have to put this national shame behind us and to move on to resolve the “Allah” issue in a spirit of compassion, moderation and accommodation.
Through the looking glass of the Christians, I can clearly see that although the word Allah has obvious reverence for Muslims, no one can deny that Allah is also a term of language.
For centuries, in the whole of Arabia, followers of all Semitic religions have used the word Allah to refer to their own God. Arab-speaking Christians use Allah al-ab (God the father), Allah al-ibn (God the son), Allah al-quds (God the Holy Spirit).
Such transcendence of common symbols and vocabulary must be commended, not condemned. In any case the Muslim belief in one and only one God necessitates acceptance that Allah is for everyone and not just for Muslims.
THE Federal Constitution Article 11
There is also the constitutional dimension of freedom of religion in Article 11(1) and the right to free speech in Article 10(1)(a). These Articles are broad enough to permit any one to invoke whatever language or sentiment he wishes to invoke in order to open his heart and soul to God.
Muslim leaders must also acknowledge their role in this imbroglio. They banned local translations of the Bible into Malay and/or Bahasa Malaysia. This forced Malay-speaking Christians, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, to import Bibles from Indonesia.
My question is; what is the purpose of promoting and enforcing Bahasa Malaysia as a national language but banned local translations? In addition most children or students and the general citizens of Malaysia are using Bahasa Malaysia as a medium of communications.
Bibles in Bahasa Melayu Indonesia use Allah to refer to the Christian God
The Muslim argument that use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims will confuse the Muslim population is demeaning. Islam do not stink hatred and harm onto others and same goes to Christianity. I trust and believe all religions promote love, peace and righteousness.
It paints the Muslims as an extremely ignorant and gullible lot. It ignores the fact that Islam took deep roots in Malaya hundreds of years ago and became the identifying feature of the Malay persona.
Malays originated from mixed ethnics and inter-cross cultures, and was mostly pagan and Hindu before Islam was found on “Tanah Melayu” which was also part of “Tanah Nusantara”.
The Islamic faith was never or not shattered during British Colonial rule
Why should it be so easily shaken now after 52 years of Muslim rule, 52 years of Islamic education and a vigorous ‘dakwah’ movement? 52 years of Independence? 52 years of tolerance, peace and harmony? 47 years with Sabah and Sarawak?
However, looking at the issue through Muslim lenses, many issues tug at my conscience. First, it is not always right to use our rights. Freedom per se has no value.
It is what freedom is for. It is the use to which it is put. It is the sense of responsibility and restraint with which it is exercised.
Take the one hundred million Muslims in India for example
Despite their rights in secular India’s Constitution, they refrain from butchering the cow because the cow is regarded as sacred by the majority Hindus.
In the British case of Humphries Vs Connors, 1864
A Protestant lady was marching in a predominantly Catholic area with an orange lily in her buttonhole. For historical reasons, that evoked painful memories for the Catholics.
A police constable plucked the lily away. In an action against the officer for assault, the court held that the officer was within his duty to prevent breaches of the peace.
Similar considerations apply in Malaysia
The constitutional right to freedom of religion is subjected by Article 11(4) to restrictions on proselytisation. Article 11(5) subordinates religion to public order, public health or morality.
A relevant law on public order is section 298 of the Penal Code which punishes the offense of wounding religious feelings.
These feelings are likely to be wounded if there is a claim that Allah was born in the manger; that Allah was born of Mary; that Allah was crucified on the cross.
The Muslim doctrine is that Allah does not beget and cannot be begotten
He cannot be depicted in any physical form. He cannot be part of the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
To argue that the word Allah is central to the Christian faith and that any restriction on its usage would hinder freedom of conscience of the Christians requires a willing suspension of disbelief.
Other than in the Arab Peninsula and in Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia), the word Allah has never been part of Christian discourse or sermons. Certainly in West Malaysia the word was not part of Christian vocabulary up to now.
The Herald’s new found love for Arabic words is indeed very touching but one cannot fail to note that the import of Arabic words is rather selective.
Tan Sri Dzulkifli of USM has pointed out that in the Malay translation of the Bible, the word Allah is used to refer to the Lord God but Mary, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Michael and other revered figures are not given their Arabic names.
One must also remember that Malaysia is not Arab-speaking
Christian sermons in Malay could just as well use words like Maha Esa, Tuhan, Dewa, Dewata and Betara without any diminution of freedom of conscience.
The plaintiffs in the Herald case must also take note that there is suspicion, unjustified though it may be, that the use of the word Allah is an indirect attempt to proselytize Muslims contrary to Article 11(4).
The argument that the Church will be using the word Allah only privately is credible but we all know that it does not take much to put a private publication in the public domain.
Herald, Christians and the general Muslims
All in all it can be said that in relation to the Herald case, the general Muslim reaction is too emotional and is based on lack of knowledge. Not all Muslims and/or Christians; only those who lack of confidence or having personal interest and low understanding of Islamic teaching.
The Herald, on the other hand, has lots of facts but no tact. Its arguments rely on cold logic, history and rationality but there is total disregard of local context and of religious sensitivities.
It is submitted that in matters of religion, history, logic and reason must not apply exclusively. Emotions must be regarded. Sometimes rights must give way to the need for social harmony. We need to find a middle path.
THE East Malaysia Christianity issues
The case of Sabah and Sarawak Christians who have a long tradition of using the word Allah without any inter-religious problems needs to be sympathetically considered.
In the long range, encouragement must be given to replace Indonesian translations of the Bible with Malaysian renditions. All restrictions on the printing of Bibles in the Malay language must be lifted.
In relation to West Malaysian Christians, there is no need to use the sledgehammer of the Printing Presses Act to impose prior restraints. A Home Ministry advice on the consequences of violating Articles 11(4), 11(5) and section 298 of the Penal Code will be sufficient. If this advice is not followed, prosecutions can be commenced.
The judicial process should be allowed to continue without any intimidation. However neither judicial decisions nor executive proclamations can make this heart-wrenching problem go away. Judiciary system is about uphold, protecting and defending the Law of Justice.
Inter-faith and cross-culture dialogue is needed
We need inter-faith dialogue to find comprehensive political and administrative solutions for our tattered fabric of inter-religious relationships. There are many painful issues and piece-meal solutions will not be enough.
Fair and moderate solutions
Fair and moderate solutions will require leadership and sacrifice. As the Rev. Jesse Jackson said “leaders of substance do not follow opinion polls; they mold opinion, not with guns or power of position but with the power of their souls”.
LET us live in a “Common word among us”
Both Muslims and Christians, and all other religions for that matter, must come together and live in peace in a concept of “A Common Word Between Us”. Truth, love, peace, harmony, wisdom, learning, and good sense; these are worth struggling for, but too valuable for you to sell.
Indeed, the most fundamental common ground between Islam and Christianity, and the best basis for future dialogue and understanding, is the love of God and the love of the neighbor.
Conclusion
It is hoped that this article will provide a common constitution for the many worthy organizations and individuals who are carrying out interfaith dialogue. Often “we and you” are unaware of each other, and duplicate each other’s efforts.
Not only can A Common Word Between Us give us a starting point for cooperation and inter-states co-ordination, but it does so on the most solid theological ground possible: the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet, and the commandments described by Jesus Christ in the Bible.
Thus despite our differences, Islam and Christianity not only share the same Divine Origin and the same Abrahamic heritage, but the same two greatest commandments.
Don’t hesitate to rescue someone who is about to be executed unjustly. You may say that it is none of your business or your concern (what if such thing happen to you), but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you; He knows. And He will reward you according to what you do.
Common Word Between Us – We Live In Great Solidarity, Peace & Harmony
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58 Responses to ““ALLAH” IS NOT MALAY – A UNIVERSAL WORD”
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Inspirational word from gkm2020
First of all, I adjust my condolence into my Christian fellow in Sabah under attack by the fanatics.
Secondly, the word being debated “Allah” is not Muslim right exclusively. Spencer Trimingham, an English historian once told us that far from Islamic era, the word has been used among the pre-Islamic Arabs in the Jazeera. One of them was the inscription of Zabad in 512 CE, depicted the word “Allah” to be the God of Imru-l-Kais, king of Arab. Was it exclusively Islamic? No.
And in the Council of Chalcedon 451 CE, there was a record of presence a bishop of Arabic Christian in Jazeera named Afedelas, which understood as Greek transliteration of Arabic name Abdullah – Abd-Allah – “the servant of Allah”. All were far far enough from the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. It was still the Christian era for sure…
So by these facts, can the fanatics in Sabah and other part of the world consume that only the Muslim had the right to use and to call God with Allah?
I hope this can help you, my beloved brothers and sisters in Sabah.
Peace be with you.
well said. but,… i rather it goes to an uproar in msia, with uproar, revolution will happen (again). else, everyone else will be continued to be hindered.
Be calm. Don`t aggravate the situation. Wait for the court`s ruling. Have trust on the government to solve the issue. Go in peace to love and serve your Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Anyone who does not agree with the doctrine of Trinity does not agree to call God as his Father, Jesus as his brother and the Holy Spirit as his comforter coming down from Heaven in a spiritual form and can make a human more heavenly in nature. It’s even weird if one does not believe in the Holy Spirit coz the christians believe that the Holy Spirit is God. If the Holy Spirit is not God, it means that God is not a spirit or exist in a spiritual form.
As Mr GKM2020 mentioned above “an article written by Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi, an Arab descendant and an Emeritus Professor of Law at UiTM and Visiting Professor at USM, very interesting and without prejudice. I agree with his thoughts and I edit in good faith to promote; A Common Word Between Us: An Agenda for Peace and Change!
“[“Allah” is not Bahasa Melayu Malaysia. Allah is not Malay, Allah is a universal word and for all humans regardless of races, ethnics, politics and religions.]”
The prof is of the opinion that, Allah is a universal term for the Arab to call their god as in the way the ibans called god their Petara. Other religion is free to call god by this iban term if they want. I think most of the Ibans if not all don’t envy the Buddhist etc for using the term PETARA to refer to their deities. Yes, the word ‘most’ is not appropriate here. It is where there are bound to have several people who are against the use of it. It’s where, there are a few people who are dare enough to burn other people’s houses of worship coz of their god.
Of course, for the other regions in this world, Prophet Mohammad wanted to make Allah is simply specific for the muslim god. But in the Arabian world, the Arab citizen are free to use it regardless they are muslim or not. It’s the right of an arab citizen to use the term unless their government has specified it in its constitution mention ‘Non-Muslims aren’t allow to call their god as Allah’
It’s really a IMalaysia if everyone in this country is willing to share the term to refer to their respective deity. Of course there are some people who still want to refer to a satan as their god and may not be right to call it as Allah. I think the satan was also involved in the creation assisting God/Allah when God/Allah first created. At that time, the satan was an Angel. I think, one needs to be clear of what one believe. And if others use the same term, be relax and don’t confuse it with what one believes as Pn Marina Mahathir said. Be confidence in your own faith. Why bother to burn other people’s houses of worship just coz one envies them using the term. God does not want to approve such a barborous act of vandalism in a soceity. We are no longer in the Old Testament time anymore when people were fighting each other coz of God or his name.
These are my personal opinion; just a think-tank idea for everyone here.
Mupok aku, ka belian bebunuh antu buyu ke ka nunu rumah Petara Kristian.
ME
Dear All Readers,
Almost, all rearchers originatedly said the word of “Allah”comes from Arabic Christians. It does not come from West Malaysian Muslim originated or it does not come from the Malay word.So, why all the bloody exremists bother about it? So,Why….??? Is this a political Issue, showing by the UMNO/BN, demanding all the Malay Muslims to support them? No way, such a thing……
I believe most of the BN experts won’t support this action, and as well as the Malay experts, also would do the same thing.They hate this action, rather than to love it or BN. So, they might support other political Parties rather than to support BN. The reason,why they support another parties, ofcourse they would love peace &.harmony in this country. They think, BN now is not UMNO/BN 20 years ago before,anymore.
Thank you
DAYAKS VOTERS would prefer “Menang” than “Alah”.
The two strong BN states of Sabah and Sarawak may just fall into the hands of the Pakatan Rakyat alliance in the next general elections if Umno continues to play on religious sentiments over the usage of the word ‘Allah’.
This blog (DB) is almost certain to exploit the “Allah” issue to entice Dayaks voters to go against the establishment. The DL group must be prepared & ready to counter the issue head on with “development theme”.
Whateve,DL should not be unduly concerned because the Dayaks folks do not normally use“Allah” instead they use Petera Aki and Petara Ini esp. longhouse dwellers where bulk/majority of Dayaks voters reside/live. In fact the word “Allah” or defeat is a curse to them as they prefer the winner or “Menang” .
DL hoped the Dayak voters will not remember the Allah row when the election come but instead continue voting and supporting BN.
Jejimat meh kitai anang salah leka jaku kena, tau di saman/tau di jil kategal salah leka jaku sebut.
Nyau nyadi “sensitive issues” leka jaku bansa Arab.
Enda tau kena kitai betundi/bungah agi.
Arapka “tsunami effect” mangka dua bengkah menua i.e Sabah & Sarawak ba G.Elections ti ka datai tu ila.
That’s where we exercise our constitutional rights by (r)ejecting these present leaders.
Let our voices be heard speaking aloud our rights as Malaysians.
Stand up and be counted!
So now what else’s do you people wants?
Dayaks Paramount Chief is now creating money making venture for our Dayaks farmers. With initiative from his ministry we can now venture into lucrative “Empurau” breeding business. Today “Ikan Empurau” sell up to RM400.00 per kg while a kg dish serve at ant top-notched restaurant could well go with RM1000.00 tag.
Those supporting the “Empurau” breeding project and also those pro-BN farmers will be given subsidy to the tune RM50,000 plus free fries.
Deo, can you comment on something you are familiar with?
The word “Al” in Allah – refers to Almighty. Pronounced “El.” The equivalent in Aramic is Elohim.
Thank you, sir.
P/s gkm, I suppose we should move to some other topics, please.
DB,
Dino and gkm did a good research to us for the use of Allah in term of law, constitution, history and religious order. Well said and clear.
The problem now is whether UMNO/Home Ministry want to comply with the rule of law or not.
Now, we shall know the reason why the issue of Allah ban in Malaysia only, highlight thro Home Ministry instead of Muslim organization tho this issue is an international issue effect all Muslim in the Globe.
OIC and UN forum are always available for Malaysian Muslim bring this global issue peacefully.
This is the game for our leaders to protect themselves in power. They put UMNO above everything including do evil thing.
This game will no end until all Malay restraint their support from PR and back to UMNO or the election result change the situation.
Another issue will be planned and will be exploited continue to support this motif.
If the christians still insist to use laws and constitution to call their god as Allah, well, there is no harm done for Jesus to be regarded as Allah as long as our muslim friends don’t mind. The extremist ones may not be comfortable to share their god’s name with the christians. The arab christians are probably comfortable calling their god as Allah in the Holy Trinity, and that’s why there is probably no religious unrest there above the use of Allah for the god of the muslims and christians there. Therefore, in the Holy Trinity, there are Allah, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Allah Bapa, Anak dan Roh Kudus).
Very convincing indeed!
The comment from the Professor. We shall opt for a compromise rather than creating chaos and insecurity in our beloved country…MALAYSIA. Peace be with ALLAH and to all Mankind in this universe.
Dr John,
Tutup magang topik pasal hal tu. Nadai pengujung manah kitai begelut gelut baka tu. Ukai urang ke komen nya nemu iga pasal Agama.
Berandau ke topik pemansang manah agi.
UPDATED NEWS: Jan 14
Sabah Christians have been using ‘Allah’ word even before 1963
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, who is a Christian from Sabah has shed some light on why they use the word ‘Allah’ in addressing God where he said that this is because the younger generation is more comfortable using Bahasa Malaysia and that the term has been adopted by the Christians in East Malaysia long before they became part of Malaysia in 1963.
Dompok said:
“The Sabah communities have always used Bahasa Melayu as it is the regional lingua franca and Christianity has been in Sabah since 1881. I believe Justice Lau Bee Lan has examined every historical aspect and constitutional rights before making the decision. The Christian bumiputera community in Sabah, like the Murut and Kadazandusun, perform religious rites in three languages – English, Bahasa Melayu and their mother tongue. In the rites where English is used, the term is God while the rites in Bahasa Melayu is ‘Allah’ and the one in the mother tongue, like Kadazandusun, is ‘Kinoingan’,”
The churches in rural areas there also use Bahasa Malaysia where he added that;
“Making Bahasa Melayu the national language and the medium of instruction in the education system have expanded the language’s influence among the Sabah communities. The generation born after this policy was made is more comfortable using Bahasa Melayu. They are also more comfortable attending religious service in the national language. The younger generation in the Christian bumiputera community from Sabah who has migrated to the peninsula to work or for further studies has also asked church authorities to have services in the national language. Everyone must have the freedom to fulfill their religious duties in a peaceful manner and using the language and terms they are comfortable with for their rites.”
INFO
UPDATED NEWS: Jan 14
KUALA LUMPUR, — “Allah”, which is Arabic for God, is not the only word prohibited for use in a non-Muslim context.
In the case of the Catholic newspaper Herald, it is barred from using three other words: Kaabah (Islam’s holiest shrine in Mecca), Solat (prayer) and Baitullah (House of God).
Father Lawrence Andrew, the weekly paper’s editor, told The Straits Times yesterday that the four words were listed in the guidelines issued to the Herald in 2007. The Cabinet decided on the prohibited words in 1986.
The Herald does not use the three latter words, but ran into problems with the Home Ministry for using “Allah” to refer to the Christian God in its Malay-language publications.
Last month, the High Court set aside the government ban on the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims.
The court decision outraged many Muslims and was followed by a series of arson attacks on churches.
The ban is not limited to those four words. Malaysian states have enactments listing more Arabic or Malay words as exclusive to Islam.
The New Straits Times yesterday published a list of 25 words that cannot be associated with any religion other than Islam in Pahang.
The list is found in the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment 1989.
Also banned are 10 expressions with Islamic origins, such as Subhanallah (Glory be to God) and Alhamdullilah (Praise to God).
Pahang’s Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council deputy president, Datuk Seri Wan Abdul Wahid Wan Hassan, said the law had been in force since 1990.
Syariah Lawyers Association deputy president Muhammad Burok told The Straits Times that all states have similar enactments, with their own lists of banned words.
“It’s not uniform, some have more words than others,” he said.
He pointed out that the enactments had been in force before the Herald controversy surfaced.
The Herald’s problems began in 1998, four years after it started publication.
It was told not to use the word “Allah”, but following an exchange of correspondence, there appeared to be a compromise by the government.
Father Lawrence said the newspaper had had no problem renewing its annual permit until 2006, when there was a delay.
In 2007, it was told that the use of “Allah” and the other words was banned. — The Straits Times
INFO
Buddy arah, where are you now?
could you please simplified, what are the good things happened to you after converting into Islam.
with due respect also, Buddy arah, can you kindly tell us what are the good thoughts, teaching, similarities between these two religions?
i m eager to know the similarities of these two religions and not the differences of its.
DJB
I support ES, may be we should move to other relevant subjects.There seems to be no end to this Allah issue.
Further argument could breed more discontents and leads no NOBODY IS WRONG and NOBODY IS RIGHT.
Nama nya alu bedau mansang kitai tu pia? Allah tu alu apin mansang ga diatu amat meh udah diputuska makahamah tang bisi ga bala nya nyau nunu maya ari ujan tu. Nadai nya ngachau deh. Kapa enda mayuh macham utai dikerandauka ditu wai. Tau ga enti ka dadak berandau ke pemansang maya diatu deh laban nyau boring amat ga berandau pasal leka jaku nya belama lama.
Kati pegong empurau, kebun sawit bisi kena kachau antu buyu, kaban? Gerija balat amat udah dikachau sida ke buyu nya diatu. Belian bebunuh buyu meh kitai ari diatu meh.
Sorry Emplesik Sungai, I know this topic has been blogged ad nauseum but just one last bit of observation (my 2nd post on related topic).
I re-read Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi article and was not impressed. There is a particular viewpoint thats sound all too familiar: nicely phrased and casted in cleverly subterfuge to trick the Christians plaintif.
And that is, the notion that the issue should be discussed outside of the legal system, as the Muslim Youth chap in Al-Jazeera said, “to be discussed and solved in closed-door meeting to avoid sensitivity”.
That closed-door narrative is only a euphemism, that in so-called “sensitive” matters as this, the minority are supposed to bend over backward, in order to preserve public order and harmony ?
The issue is one of constitutional right, as Dr Jeffrey Kitingan – has also highlighted.There is no reason why both the Christians and Muslims can’t solve the controversy through the court of law. They can be friends and blood brothers in name and in the usual 1Malaysia song-and-dance, but I for one, would favor a solid race relationship founded on the preservation and respect of rights of every Malaysian as enshrined in the law and constitutional sense.
Even the argument of preserving public order as basis for withdrawing from the court to the close-door badgering room, does not hold water, if as many politicians and public officials had stated, the arson was the work of fringe elements and low lives.In fact,that would mean, to hold back the building of mature relationship among Malaysians, to cater to the lowest common denominator in Malaysian society.
Our Muslim brothers fear of being converted to Christianity, is way way up there in the stratosphere – unfounded. The reverse would be true, if one were to consider the relentless broadcast of muslim religious matters in the nation’s TV and radio.A good thing now, there is Astro. But this tit-for-tat views would be another red herring to the central legality and constitutional issue that the Allah story is all about.
On the issue of constitutional right: let us be very wary that, typical of “rights” – the strong will always want to take everything away, given half an inch of chance.Much has been said about our Dayak rights under the Malaysia Agreement. And more down to earth, NCR land has been and continue to be right being surrendered incrementally,aided and abetted by our own empty skull Dayak leaders in BN, no less.
There is an upside to all of this, or a simpler explanation. Its political.
UMNO guys, in their feverish attempt to re-establish credential viz-a-vis PAS with the Malay Muslim grassroot, appear to be racing with each other to front themselves as the defender of the faith.While PAS appear to be taking principled a position, UMNO guys – including the highest leadership, appear to be not in control of their argument.If you would asked a Malay colleagues, including a fellow Malay Sarawakian from the kampong, you may get the same reply that I got, that this is all sandiwara politik UMNO. Poor thing !
Come to think of it, lets not make enemies of our ordinary Malay colleagues and friends on account of this desperate attempt by so many UMNO guys and their sympathisers in the many NGOs and institutions – akim,jakim, iklim…They are to be pitied instead. Some of them must surely remains steadfast and do not easily fall for the trick to establish religious credential (cepat naik pangkat) by the young and up-and-coming UMNO politicos.
I won’t want to be flimsy, but for the light hearted treatment to this issue: imagine what would happen if the original Iban bibles were publish which used “Taib Mahmud” in place of the word Allah ? To this day, I would imagine many Iban Catholics would still pray in the holiest piety to Taib Mahmud to seek blessing ! Imagine that ! If it had been the case, I would be in favour of defending their constitutional right to pray to Taib Mahmud (!!!) – as the practise of religion is guranteed by the Constitution, and thank “Allah” for putting the foresight into the neanderthal skull of the Brits who drafted the document (at least they got something right).
Final word: we all want peace and harmony, but let it NOT be based on the subjugation of any Malaysians – and neither would it serve the greater good of Malaysian character for any party to be allowed to prostate in submission, to the ultra sensitive low lives.
Excuse me, can someone tell me how I can subscribe to the weekly Catholic Herald ?
DB Readers,
Perhaps this article may open our eyes about how ‘they’ fight for the exclusive use of the word Allah. They ignore the rule of law, create chaos, threatening the others, burn churches, and the latest broke into the lawyer’s office & stole certain documents. May God forgive them for their ignorance & stupidity.
The article below is taken from The M’sian Insider:
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — The law firm of two lawyers acting for Catholic newspaper Herald was found to have been broken into early this morning.
The law firm of Fernandez and Selvarajah is located on Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Petaling Jaya, in a row of shop houses opposite the Civic Centre and about 10 minutes’ walk from the police district headquarters.
Lawyer Derek Fernandez was the first of the firm’s three partners to arrive at the crime scene at about 8.15am, when he alerted the police through his handphone.
“This is a staged robbery,” he told reporters while waiting for the police investigating officer (IO) in a handphone shop downstairs.
The firm occupies the second and third floors, above the handphone shop and a tuition centre. Only the main office on the second floor was ransacked. The perpetrators failed to break the padlock on the third-floor grille.
“It appears some documents are missing,” he said. But he said he was unsure which exactly, as he has not stepped inside the room yet.
Police look for clues outside the law firm.
Fernandez suspects it may be related to the “Allah” court case, which is being appealed by the Home Ministry.
“The handphone shop downstairs was not touched. It was a very professional job,” the lawyer added.
A close-circuit television (CCTV) camera on the first floor, which was put in a few years ago to monitor the staircase was sprayed over with black paint.
A laptop belonging to the firm’s female partner was also taken.
“I think they believe my laptop contained information on the church case,” said the woman lawyer, who declined to give her name.
“It does but not the main part,” she disclosed when asked.
S. Selvarajah, who completes the partnership, told reporters the firm’s safe was also forced open and some documents which were kept there were also taken. He added that the firm did not keep any cash inside the safe.
This is not the first time the 13-year-old law firm has been burgled, Selvarajah said when asked.
The first time was some seven to eight years ago, he said, before grilles and padlocks were added to enhance security.
The firm set up at its current premises in 1996.
This morning’s break-in was first discovered by the firm’s receptionist, when she arrived at 7.55am.
Declining to be named, she told reporters she noticed a rag lying on the floor when she was opening the ground floor grille.
Selangor CID deputy chief ACP Khaw Kok Chin said police were on the case and would take down statements from six people who hold keys to the office.
“We will investigate all angles,” Khaw told reporters at the scene when asked if there may be a link to the court controversy.
Several churches in the country have been attacked in the past two weeks, including with petrol bombs, since the High Court ruled that the church had the right under the federal constitution to publish the word “Allah” in the Christian sense.
Islamic groups, however, claim the word is reserved for Muslim use.
The Home Minister has appealed the court decision.
DB,
It seems to me that the case is Catholic / Christian vs. the Govt of Malaysia (home ministry)
The court of appeal’s decision will be…?
Cheers,
John Hock
Empelesik Sungai on January 14th, 2010 1:40 pm Dr John,
Tutup magang topik pasal hal tu. Nadai pengujung manah kitai begelut gelut baka tu. Ukai urang ke komen nya nemu iga pasal Agama.
Berandau ke topik pemansang manah agi.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DL do not think DJB will take heed of your advised….to close this topic for discussion. We all know that Dr. JBA use the “Allah” issue to score political milage.He had hoped to anger the Christian community….so as to go against the establishment.I do not think he will succeed in enticing Dayaks voters over Allah row.
Ha..Meramat Tajak,
I was involved in some charity work a few weeks back, which involves the Catholic Church in Shah Alam. (The same chuch MP Khalid Samad visited,located in Glemarie Industrial area).
As I was sitting in the office, I saw “The Herald.” And I asked if that was the magazine that creates so much controversies. The clerk there said:
“Ya that is the one – take it if you want read it.” I took a copy – and honestly I didn’t see a single article that could be offensive to anyone – except for that “word,” of course.
I have seen plenty of offensive magazines & CDs selling porns & witch-crafts almost everywhere. Home Ministry could have targeted them instead.
To anwer your question: Maybe you give them a visit.
Correction, Meramat:
That was the English Version – no mention of that “word” there. I didn’t see the Bahasa Version.
Yes, Deo on that point I agree totally.
DB will not succeed, with or without the “Allah” issue. DB needs money, serious. Come election, who rains RM will win; sure enticed.
You mean you are not enticed with RM? I do. Dr John does too.
Laporan Utusan Msia 13.01.2010, madahka siko tokoh Kristian ari Sabah ngasoh The Herald “muai” leka jako Allah.Nama 2 iko kaldai tu nya “Clarence Bongkos & Webley Disim”. Laporan berita tu madahka sduai 2 ekor tu “TOKOH Kristian”. Enti 2 ekor tu amat tokoh Kristian, nama kabuah seduai nitih aja jako urang bansa bukai lalu enda ulih ngetanka agama diri empu?. Pelaba aku, 2 ekor tu ukai “TOKOH” tang “PAK TURUT”.Jangka aku 2 ekor tu ukai Kristian, tang semina ngaga ba IC baka orang Kristian.Utai ka dipansutka seduai 2 dalam berita Utusan 13.01.2010 ngasoh ati pedih agi. Pelaba mata seduai 2 tu udah ditutup serta dibayar ngena RM.
To a MATURED person, there is no such thing as ’sensitivity’. Use our God given brain, talk and think sensibly. We may have high IQ (as we claim) but if one has no EQ, he easily gets into fits and tantrums, burn his house down, or kill the person who just told him his fly is down (zip seluar belum tutup). God is not angry yet. But if HE does it would be at UMNO who started messing with HIS HOLY NAME as if it is just “a word”
Remember COMMANDMENT #2
Tsk tsk tsk Mr Deo, personal attacks now on Dr John.
By the way, who has attempting to burn churches? Narrow bigoted people whom you have not mentioned a word
Does attempting to burn churches, anger Christians? Yes
Does talking about these incidents anger Christians? No
So Mr Deo please do get your head right as the acts themselves anger Christians not discussing about it.
Blog owner Dr. JBA,
I suppose we had enough debate/discussion on the subject of “Allah”.
I, MJC on behalf of dayaklama (DL) would like to appeal to you good self to immediately stop sensationalising this sensitive and complicated issue for the good of everybody.
Unggal Unggal,
I hope there will be more breeding of empurau so that the price will be lower and affordable. Today only Aki Peking could afford to eat the fish daily and he could also afford to give some to others who love the fish.
In te past, the price of ikan lampan/tilapia/keli was high but today these fishes hardly exceed RM10/kg. If the people all over the worldeat pork, the price will be sky-high. We are fortunate that a third of the world population do not love pork coz their god says so.
Dear DB,
I am not in favour of closing the Allan ban issue. We shall monitor this issue until we satisfied with the result, court of appeal is not complete yet.
I do not think that this issue waste our time and cash? We must continue to talk about this issue and at the same time talk about other matter.
Secondly the Allah ban is a good issue to learn the BN and PR political chain. Keep it on Tuai Rumah.
Sometime, we need to do more than one thing at one time.
My dear Kerani Opis Welfare
Alhamdulillah, I am excellence. If you love Jesus study the bible and Al Quran.
Islam have high regards to the Christian. I share you stories of the King of Ethopia who is a Christian but believe in One God not Trinity.
The Haven of the First Hijra (Migration): an African nation is the Muslims’ first refuge
By Br. Najib Mohammed
In Islamic history and tradition, Ethiopia (Abyssinia or Al-Habasha) is known as the “Haven of the First Migration or Hijra.” For Muslims, Ethiopia is synonymous with freedom from persecution and emancipation from fear.
Ethiopia was a land where its king, Negus or Al-Najashi, was a person renowned for justice and in whose land human rights were cherished.
The meaning and the significance of “Hijra” is embodied in the Islamic calendar. Since its inception, the Islamic calendar represents a history of perpetual struggle between truth and falsehood, faith and blasphemy, freedom and oppression, light and darkness, and between peace and war.
The first migration [Hijra] of the Companions and relatives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to Ethiopia celebrates the birth of freedom of expression and beliefs, whereas, the Second Migration of the Prophet Muhammad to the Madinah celebrates the end of oppression.
History has shown that the first migration to Ethiopia and the second migration to Madinah have indeed laid down the foundation on which Islam, as a universal religion, was built. Ever since that experience, the Muslim community, wherever they settled, shifted from the positive of minority to majority, from weakness to permanent strength, from tribalism to universal brotherhood that knows no defined political boundaries.
The Quran says: “O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly the most honored of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware (Quran 49:13).
With this spirit in mind, Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave living in Makkah, became a leading companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It was not a coincidence that his native land, Ethiopia, was the country chosen by the Prophet when his followers needed protection and freedom form oppression.
“And dispute you not with the People of the Book, except with means better, unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong; But say, we believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you: Our God and your God is one; and it is to Him we bow in Islam: (Quran 29:46).
Muhammad Haykal, author of the “Life of Muhammad” said that the Prophet Muhammad trusted that his followers and relatives would be better off if they migrated to a country whose religion was Christianity-a scriptural religion whose Prophet was Jesus son of Mary. He was not afraid that his followers would convert and give up their faith in favor of any other established religion.
He was more convinced that Islam would be more protected in its infancy in a fertile and prosperous land ruled by the Scripture than among the ignominious pagans of Arabia.
The companions and relatives of the Prophet were prepared to sacrifice and suffer all sorts of hardship and alienation rather than give up their own conviction and freedom. The Prophet gave his companions the following letter to give the king when they reached Ethiopia.
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, Most Gracious, From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah to the Negus Al-Asham, king of Abyssinia.
Peace, I praise Allah to you, the King, the Holy, the Peace, the Faithful, the Watcher, and I bear witness that Jesus, son of Mary, is the Spirit of Allah and His Word, Which He cast to Mary the virgin, the good, the pure, so that she conceived Jesus. Allah created him from His Spirit and His Breathing as He created Adam by His Hand and His Breathing. I call you to Allah, the Unique without partner, and to His obedience, and to follow me and believe in that which came to me, for I am the Messenger of Allah.
I have sent to you my cousin Jafar with a number of Muslims, and when they come, entertain them without haughtiness, for I invite you and your armies to Allah. I have accomplished my work and my admonition, so receive my advice. Peace upon all those that follow True Guidance.”
In view of this determination, the Ethiopian king, Negus As’ha’mah, undoubtedly recognized the significance of the Prophet Muhammad as a Messenger of Allah, and the need to treat the Muslims with kindness and dignity. The Christian church leaders who listened to the debate between the Muslims learned the truth about Islam.
Thus, they accepted the universality of the message of the Prophet based on the truthful similarity with the Scripture which prophesied the advent of Muhammad as a Prophet. The Quran describes their belief in these words:
“And when they listen to revelation received by the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the Truth. They pray: ‘Our Lord! we believe; write us among the witnesses” (Quran 5:83).
In the sixth year of the Hijra, the Prophet wrote letters to different rulers of the world inviting them to Islam. Among the first leaders to receive the letter was the King of Ethiopia (Abyssinia). This second letter was sent with Amir ibn Umayya and reads as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, Most Gracious. From Muhammad,t the Messenger of Allah, to the Negus Al-Asham, king of Abyssinia, Peace is for the one who follows the right guidance and believes in Allah and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. He is one and has no partners. He has neither wife nor child. And Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.
I call you to Islam for I am His Messenger. Accept Islam and you will be safe. O people of the Book! Come to something which is common between us and you, that we worship none by Allah; nor associate anything with Him; nor make any other our Lord besides Allah. If they turn away, then tell them we are obedient to Allah. If you deny it, the burden of the Christians, your people, will fall upon you.” The seal of Muhammad, the Messenger.
The king received the envoy of the Prophet with great respect and showed him all the honor he deserved, and accepted Islam despite the objection of his family and the Church.
The king wrote back saying”…I testify that you are the Messenger of Allah, true and confirming those before you. I have given my allegiance to you and to your nephew and I have surrendered myself through him to the Lord of the Worlds.”
In recognition of his kindness and when it was revealed to the Prophet that the Ethiopian king whom he had never met in person passed away, the Prophet offered the first funeral prayer in absentia in Islam (Salatul Ghaib) for the king who was named Ahmed Al-Najashi after he reverted to Islam.
Even though the family of the Ethiopian king, joined by the church, revolted against him because of his acceptance of Islam, and tried to stop the spreading of Islam, Islam rapidly and peacefully spread south of the Anunite kingdom.
By the fourteenth century, there were seven Islamic Sultanates [kingdoms]. The Sultanate of Yifat, Dawaro, Arbabini, Hadiya, Shakara, Bali, and Dara survived as Muslim enclaves until the northern Christian, with the help of European colonial powers, mainly from Portugal, expanded by force and by the late 18th century, formed “Ethiopia” as we know it today.
My dear Kerani Opis Welfare
I hope we can differentiate the teaching of Jesus (peace be uon him) from the false teaching of Paul or Saul the Murderer.
AMEEN
Aku mega setuju enggau Iban Abroad, anang tak beguai meh nutup batang randau kitai tu. Utai ke nyadi pagi ila, dikenang kitai pagila ga. Limpang enda lama meh kitai ari ti ngenang pasal penusah tanah enggau maioh macham penusah rama ke ditunga kitai Dayak. Laban ngelama-lama tu kitai udah ngenang pekara nya, tang pekara ti bekaul enggau orang nunu gerija apin kala masok runding kitai. Aku enda nemu kita, tang aku maioh amat penemu ulih aku ari ti bebacha ka utai ke ditulis pangan diri.
….well Allah is not a malay word. Does the Malaysian muslim agree with this.
arah, so the king didn’t believe in trinity? hmm, Ethopia.. hmm, is Ethopia a rich country? =p
Christians are claimed of having three gods in the Trinity but such God never allowed any man to have more than one wife. On the contrary, those believing in one god believe that their god allow them to have more than one. I envy them. I love it too. But for my love of the three gods, I still insist to stick to one only.
Jesus taught about one God; Jesus taught about the son of God; Jesus taught about the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught about calling God as our Father. Jesus taught about the children of God. Jesus taught about the love for thy neighbor.
Nya alai kitai anang deka bejaku ke pasal ka ngayau urang ke jai enggau kitai tauka deka nunu rumah petara urang kristin. Jai akal pengawa nya, akih.
Tuan Arah, you believe in the christians have three gods so you are misled to deny Jesus the Lord, the Savior of the human race. Those who seek not wanting to be saved by him will not be saved. Jesus is the only way to heaven. No one ever claimed that one is the only way to heaven except Jesus.
thank buddy arah,
for some interesting, shall i say stories or history maybe, that you for sharing with us.
as you are or seem to be knowledgeable in both Islamic and christainity principles, may i humblely asked you, in regard to our main issue of discussion, that is:
Do you agree that the christian no matter what denomination using the word “ALLAH” in refering to their God(Christian God, Of course).
take you time, used your knowledge,experiences, capabilities and your studied of theologian, or maybe you want to share some more stories, history or others interesting facts from the Quran or Yassin that we need to know.
Kaban Menyadi,
Ba penemu aku, manah agi kitai badu bekenang ke pakara ke nadai mai penguntung baka tu. Manah agi kitai berandau ka nanam sawit, nanam getah klon baru, ngaga lesen kontrak baru, bisi agi reti. Ulih ga nambah ka penatai pemisi menggal mit.
Pekara bakatu tu manah agi serah ngagai bala sida Bishop enggau sida Council Ulamak aja. Kapa enda sida berunding ka pekara nya, sigi pengawa sida. Kitai nitih aja pemutus runding sida ila. Terima aja meh penemu sida ila, anang belaya bakih.
SHAH ALAM: Bukan Islam yang menggunakan secara bertulis atau lisan 25 perkataan yang dilarang akan dikenakan tindakan mengikut Enakmen Agama Bukan Islam (Kawalan Pengembangan di Kalangan Orang Islam) 1988 dan boleh didenda tidak lebih RM3,000 atau penjara tidak lebih dua tahun atau kedua-duanya sekali.
Perkara ini dinyatakan Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (Jais), Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi.
Dayak Baru….
Makin ari makin aku nda faham…
nama kebuah cdak ke merintah kitai tauk ngungkit utai ke nadai maik penguntung lansung ngagai menua kitai…
Uji berunding ke jalai bakani ka ngemaju ke nembiak ke diau ba kawasan pedalaman…
Nyak baru rakyat didahulukan pencapaian diutamakan…. Kualiti ke penting…
Utai ke seciput mansa tuk…. sebenar ya nadai masalah ngelamak tuk, kati tauk timbul baru?
Bisi masuk duit cdak ya becara ke utai k nda temu bc k nda nyak?
Uji berunding kati k enggau nembiak lepasan ijazah ke tengah menganggur?
Sinu ati ngenang nasib urang ke tusah enda dipeduli ka,,,, tang umbas ke kiruh ke utai k enda entu penting.
Aku ngena facebook..bersemangat amai ka ngau satu Malaysia… Tang lalu lemah semangat mda dalam nyak ke bala cdak ya magang, madah k dirik nda puas ati..tuk ngau nyak…
Pelaba k aku..kitai sarawak dah lamak satu malaysia…
makin k bc satu malaysia..nyau ngasuh utai kucar-kacir agik. Nonsense…
Raja Merom..kitai berunding ka nanam sawit, nanam lada, ngambik lesen tok lesen nyak pun sama meh bakanyak.. Keutamaan nadai ba kitai….
Bansa ke slalu nyebut ayat ” Pama meh, asal k bisi “..
sigi nadai….
Cdak patut bersyukur kitai di sarawak nda kala mintak lebih….
Dr. John,
Aku k biak, mintak ajar ari kitak ke bepenemu, berpengalaman agik…
Mintak nuan madah ke cara baka ni ngiga jalai kenak ngemansang ke dirik mpu…
Ayak2 k bc dtu… bala anak kitak serta ngau aku cg ditemu generasi baru ke bakal nyadi mesin pemansang menua jemah ila.. sama2 kitai ngemansang k dirik mpu ngambik ke ulih memperbaiki keadaan k diatu.
Hooray, pagi tu leka jaku Allah tau dikena ba menua Sabah enggau Sarawak. Puji Petara ke manah enggau kitai ditu. Takut amat sida nya ke sida kristin ngena jaku nya ba Melaya din. Arapka gerija ditu enda agi ditunu meh laban bulan nunu umai ke bendar udah lalu.
HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAY! WOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooHAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa……….Hidup Petara.
Datuk Nazri pen bisi enggau kitai sembiang ba gerija ga laban deka mendingka bakani kitai besampi agai petara kitai. Ney! Kumbai iya bisi bejaku jai kitai agai sida iya!! Apoooo…bisa amat sembiang Datuk nya neh. Hmmmmmmmm…Bisi Tuah Jesus bebisik ba pending iya kini? Gerenti aku. Amat besai kuasa petara ba menua Sarawak tu.
Anang aja datuk nazri masuk kristian ila. he..he..
SHALOM(PEACE)…………
HOLY SPIRIT IS WORK IN YOUR HEART..BELIEVE TO JESUS CRIST……
FATHER,SON,HOLY SPIRIT…… AMINE.
Amine (True –in Hebrew languages)
Allah in Translations of the Bible
Extract from:
International Journal of Frontier Missions
by Kenneth J. Thomas
23:4 Winter 2006•171
This article originally appeared in the
The BibleTranslator:Technical Papers,
Vol. 52:3 (July 2001), 301-305.
Reprinted by permission.
Kenneth J. Thomas is a UBS
(United Bible Societies) Translation
Consultant based in New York.
One person who has written a book arguing against the use of Allah by
Christians is a Nigerian, G. J. O. Moshay. In his book, Who Is This Allah?, he
writes, “For long we had assumed that Christians and Muslims serve the same
God, and that it is only in the language of expression and mode of worship
that they differ.”1 But he concludes that they are not the same. Significantly,
this objection does not come from traditional Arab Christians, most of whom
live in the Islamic heartland.
The basic question is whether the word “Allah” can be considered a generic
term for the supreme being that can be used to translate elohim or theos, which
are themselves generic terms in Hebrew and Greek.
The Arab philologists discussed the etymology of the word at great length. Some held that it was a loanword from Syriac or Hebrew, but most regarded it as a contraction of al il?h
(“the god”).2
Western scholars are fairly unanimous that the source of the word
Allah probably is through Aramaic from the Syriac al?h? (“the god”).3
In either case, the Arabs used the word Allah for the Supreme Being before the time of
Muhammad.
Inscriptions with Allah have been discovered in Northern and
Southern Arabia from as early as the fifth century (B.C )
Christians have used the word Allah from pre-Islamic times, and Allah has been used continuously
in Arabic translations of the Bible from the earliest known versions in the
eighth century to this day.
One Arabic translation of the New Testament using the word may even be pre-Islamic.6
Jews, Christians, and Muslims have used Allah in their citations and translations
of the Bible since the first centuries of Islam. Jewish commentators writing
in Arabic used Allah in their translations and citations.
Sa´adiah Ga`on b.Joseph, a 9th-10th century a.d. Rabbanite translator of the Hebrew into Arabic
(using Hebrew characters), used Allah for elohim.
For example, for Genesis 1:4 he has: “And Allah saw that the light was good.”7 This practice of Sa´adiah was followed by the Karaites, a Jewish sect in Jerusalem, in the 10th
century.8 An acquaintance of St.John of Damascus, Abu Qurah, the
Bishop of Haran in the 8th-9th century a.d., uses Allah to translate theos in his citations of the Bible in Arabic.For example, in John 1:1 he has “the Word was with Allah.”9 A number
of Muslim writers in the 9th century a.d. used Allah in their citations of
the Bible. Al-Tabari, quoting the words of Jesus in John 10:36, has “Allah sent me into the world” and, quoting the words of the devil in Matthew 4:3, has: “If you are the
son of Allah . . .”10 Another Muslim writer, Ibn Qutayba al-Dinawari of Baghdad, quotes Jesus as saying in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both Allah and Mammon.”11 A
Shi´ite Muslim scholar of the 9th century, Al-Ya´qubi cites the answer
of Jesus to the devil in Matthew 4:7,“Do not test Allah your Lord.”12
Thus, from the beginning of contacts between Jews, Christians, and Muslims there was use of Allah that enabled them to enter into common discussion about biblical content and
to dialogue with one another. It should be noted that the biblical
translations of the Bible into Arabic and other languages used by the majority Muslim communities in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have generally not used Allah to translate
the Hebrew tetragrammaton YHWH.
This is considered to be the particular name of the supreme being of the people of Israel as revealed to Moses. In Arabic translations it is transliterated
as yahwah or translated as rabbi(Lord), corresponding to the Jewish custom of using adonai in place of saying the divine name. Translations of YHWH in other languages used in the Islamic world have followed the precedent of the Arabic in either transliterating YHWH and/or using
a word for Lord (rabb in Bambara and Somali, khodavand in Persian,Pashto, Sindhi, and Urdu, Tuhan
in Indonesian).
The exceptions to this practice are the Malay translations of 1912 and 1988 that use Allah for YHWH; the Biatah translationused in Sarawak, Malaysia, and the Tausug translation used in Jolo,Philippines, followed the precedent of the Malay translations.13This use of Allah in translations of the Bible has served as a bridge between Christians and Muslims for understanding one another.
A Christian official in the Vatican,Thomas Michel, emphasizes,
For fourteen centuries Arabic speaking Christians, Muslims and Jews
have called God ‘Allah’, a common witness that in spite of our difficultiesour God is one and the same. . . .It is the firm conviction of Christians today, and has been through the centuries,
that the God of Muslims and Christians is one, and hence we must oppose any attempts to give the impression that we worship different Gods by the use of different names
for the one and the same God. . . . Ihave personally discussed this matter with Arab and Indonesian Muslim scholars, and they firmly support the importance of the one name for the
one God.”14
F. S. Khair-ullah, a Christian scholar in Pakistan (note the use of Allah as
an element in his compound name),suggests that in Urdu we should not avoid the
word Allah but use it for God so that a bridge is formed for a common understanding of God.15
Allah has been employed in translations of the Bible not only in Arabic but also in the languages used by the majority Muslim communities in the Middle East, Africa and most of
Asia. These include Arabic, Turkish and Azarbaijani in the Middle East; Bambara, Fulfulde, Hausa, and Mankinka in Africa; and Malay,Indonesian, Javanese, Madurese andSundanese in Asia. The exceptions to this generalization are the languages in the geographical area that
is or was Persian-speaking, including Iran, Afghanistan, and the Mogul empire of Akbar (1542-1605) in India.
This part of the world, whilelargely Islamic, traditionally rejected the use of the Arabic language and
retained the Persian word Khoda for the supreme being. Accordingly, Bibles translated into the languages of this region, including Persian,Urdu and Sindhi, have utilized the
commonly-used Persian word for the supreme being. Another exception is
the Swahili translation of the Bible in East Africa where the traditional name for the supreme being, Mungu, was retained.16Recent translations of the Bible into languages used by majority Muslim
communities have generally followed the precedent set by earlier biblical translations in the major languages in the region in their choice of the word for the supreme being. Thus
new translations in Africa (e.g.,Juba and Wolof) and Southeast Asia(e.g., Patani Malay) use Allah, while those in South Asia (e.g., Baluchi and Dari) use Khoda. Likewise,
new translations in Central Asia in areas that were once part of Persia use Khoda (e.g., Kazakhi, Kirghizi, Tajiki, and Uzbeki). These are the words for the supreme being that
have long been used by the peoples in these geographical regions. Thus
new translations rarely use a word for the supreme being that differs from the common usage of the language group or from other available translations of the Bible found in the major
Languages of the area.17
The original Pashto translation of the Bible in 1895 had Allah, but this was
changed to Khoda in the revision of the New Testament beginning with
the Gospel of Matthew published in 1931, conforming to the usage in
Urdu and the Iranian languages. The populations using Pashto and Urdu
live in the same geographical area.
Conversely the Scripture Union of Malaysia in its publications has been changing
Allah to Tuhan when quoting the Indonesian translation of the Bible,
Terjemahan Baru, without the consent of the copyright holder, namely the
Indonesian Bible Society. The result is no distinction is made in the translation
of YHWH and elohim.18
But each monotheistic faith has its own understandings about the supreme being, and it is therefore
important, when talking about the supreme being, to identify specific characteristics of the deity. For example, only Christians profess that the One whom they worship is “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”It can be argued that this reality need not justify using different words or
names for the supreme being.
Bishop Kenneth Cragg writes:
[W]e reduce everything to chaos if we suggest that disparate predicatesdo not relate to the identical ‘subject’ to whom they are ascribed, as if there could be, in truth, ‘gods many and lords many’ corresponding to all the confused concepts, however numerous and contradictory.
He goes on to conclude, Thus, the answer to the vexed question,’ Is the God of Islam and the
God of the Gospel the same?’ can only rightly be ‘Yes! and ‘No!’ Yes, as the common ground of all we say in partial unison: No, insofar as our convictions diverge.21
The use of the same word for the supreme being by people of various
religions need not mean that they all have the same views about deity.
Each religion defines the meaning of the supreme being according to its
own convictions. Those of different religions who use the word “Allah” understand the nature of the supreme being to which it refers according to the beliefs of their own traditions. English speakers can understand this reality by reference to their own usage patterns.
Allah is the equivalent to the English word “God” with a capital “G”. Michel observed that
“Just as ‘God’ is the name in English for the one divine being who alone is to be worshipped and obeyed, used by Muslims, Christians and Jews, so God’s name in Arabic and
those languages who derive their religious terminology from Arabic(like Bahasa, Indonesia) is ‘Allah.’”22
Many Muslims have recognized the equivalency of these words as generic terms when writing in English by using the English term “God.”
A prominent Arab Christian writes that
for more than five hundred years before Muhammad, the vast majority
of Jews and Christians in Arabia called God by the name Allah. How, then, can we say that Allah is an invalid name for God? And what about the 10 to 12 million Arab Christians today? They have been calling God ‘Allah’ in their Bibles, hymns, poems, writings, and worship for over nineteen centuries. What an insult to them when we tell them not to use this word Allah! 23
When those whose mother tongue is Arabic and who live among Muslims have no problem with the name Allah being used for God in the Bible, this raises a question about what possible problem there might be with the use of Allah elsewhere in the translation of the Bible.
It would seem that those who object to its use do so in order to maintain a radical
distinction between the Christian and Islamic concepts of the supreme
being.
Precedence indicates that each faith community has clearly defined
its distinctive understanding of Allah through its contextual use, teaching and tradition.
Endnotes
1Ibadan, Nigeria: Fireliners Int.,
1990, 8.
2Arthur Jeffery, The Foreign Vocabulary
of the Qur’?n (Baroda: Oriental
Institute, 1938), p. 66; D. B. Macdonald,
Encyclopaedia of Islam, New Edition
(Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1971), III, 1093.
3Jeffery, loc. cit.; J. Spenser Trimingham,
Christianity among the Arabs in
Pre-Islamic Times (London & New York:
Longman, 1979), p. 251, n. 14.
4H.A.R. Gibb & J.H. Kramers,
Shorter Encyclopaedia of Islam (Ithaca, NY:
Cornell University Press, 1974), 33. Even
Muhammad’s father was named Abd
Allah, God’s servant; see Philip Hitti,
History of the Arabs: From the Earliest
Times to the Present, Tenth Edition (New
York: St. Martin’s Press, 1970), p. 101.
5René Dussaud, Les Arabes en Syrie
avant l’Islam (Paris, Ernest Leroux,
1907), pp. 141f., and Hitti, loc. cit., pp.
100f., citing the work of F. V. Winnett,
A Study of the Lihyanite and Thamudic
Inscriptions (Toronto: 1937), p. 30.
6One existing manuscript may be
pre-Islamic. See A. Baumstark, “Das
problem eines vorislamischen christlichen-
kirchlichen Schrifttums in Arabischer
Sprache,” Islamica 4 (1929/1930):
562-567, in Kenneth Bailey, “Early
Arabic New Testaments of Mt. Sinai and
the Task of Exegesis (with special focus
on Sinai Ar. 72 and Luke 15),” Theological
Review, XII/2 (1991): 49. See also
Meira Polliack, The Karaite Tradition of
Arabic Bible Translation (Leiden: E. J.
Brill, 1997), p. 6.
7Meira Polliack, op. cit., p. 112.
8Loc. cit., pp. 36ff.
Note the example
of Yefet ha-Levi ben ‘Eli’s use of Allah
(hll’) in his introduction to Genesis, loc.
cit., pp. 43 and 293.
9Father Yusuf Qushaqji, S.J.,
Ta‘rib al-Anajil wa al-A‘mal ol-Rusul
(Arabization of the Gospels and Acts of
the Apostles)(Beirut: Libran Oriental,
1961), p. 108. Dr. Manuel Jinbachian
graciously provided me the information
from this book and the translation of the
Arabic quotes.
10Loc. cit., pp. 113, 115.
11Loc. cit., p. 119.
12Loc. cit., p. 120.
13The completely revised Malay
Bible of 1996, however, restored the
practice of translating elohim as Allah.
This was at the advice of the Malaysian
church leaders, who considered the
translations of 1912 and 1988 as not
being exegetically accurate or faithful
to the original texts. Thus the rendering
of the divine names returned to the
precedent established in the history of
the Malay/Indonesian translations since
1629. The Biatah translation is also being
revised to restore Allah as the translation
of elohim. Information from Daud
Soesilo, “Translating the Names of God
Revisited: Field Experience from Indonesia
and Malaysia,” (a paper presented
at the Annual Meeting of the SBL/AAR
in November 2000), pp. 4 and 8.
14Thomas Michel, S.J., in “Official
Letter from Vatican Secretariat for Non-
Christians” dated October 25, 1984.
15Khair-ullah, loc. cit.
16Soesilo, op. cit., p. 5.
17Soesilo, op. cit., pp. 2f., gives an
example of an exception to this generalization
in a recent Indonesian translation,
Kitab Suci: Torat dan Injil (Jakarta: Bet
Yesua Hamasiah, no date), in which the
tetragrammaton is translated YAHWE
and elohim is transliterated as Eloim. This
was done for the ideological objection to
the use of Allah in the Bible.
18Soesilo, op. cit., pp. 1f.
19Soesilo, op. cit., p. 2.
20Because of this protest the law was
modified.
21Kenneth Cragg, Muhammad and
the Christian (London: Darton, Longman
and Todd, 1984), 124f.
22Michel, loc. cit.
23Fouad Elias Accad, The Qur’an as
a Bridge to the Bible (Colorado Springs,
CO: NAV Press, 1997), p. 22. Accad is
the former General Secretary of the Bible
Society of Lebanon and father of the
present General Secretary.
etract from:
International Journal of Frontier Missions
by Kenneth J. Thomas
23:4 Winter 2006•171
This article originally appeared in the
The BibleTranslator:Technical Papers,
Vol. 52:3 (July 2001), 301-305.
Reprinted by permission.
Kenneth J. Thomas is a UBS
(United Bible Societies) Translation
Consultant based in New York.
The basic question is whether the word “Allah” can be considered a generic
term for the supreme being that can be used to translate elohim or theos, which
are themselves generic terms in Hebrew and Greek.
The Arab philologists discussed the etymology of the word at great length. Some held that it was a loanword from Syriac or Hebrew, but most regarded it as a contraction of al ilah
(“the god”).2
Western scholars are fairly unanimous that the source of the word
Allah probably is through Aramaic from the Syriac alaha (“the god”).3
In either case, the Arabs used the word Allah for the Supreme Being before the time of
Muhammad.
Tabi kaban,
Udah meh nya. Tutup aja meh pekara pasal tuhan tu. Aram kitai sama-sama berunding cara ngangkat ka ekonomi kitai bansa. Anang semina ngarap ka perintah nulong aja-aja. Kitai mesti ka nulong diri empu dulu. Bepun mula projek mit-mit dulu meh, ila tau ngerembai nyadi besai. Enda pia kaban.
Akai dai..lama udah manah meh ekonomi aku ku dek Haja Mehom. Manah tua ke ngepab ngiga sida endu ke betebigap dia. Ni nemu tua bidik nyadi Aya Bidik ba menua Kapit din.
Aya manang,
Rindu aku ninga penemu nya aya manang. Aku tu endang sigi selalu ngepab. Enti undur ke pasar bekau ke nyual getah, kami duai unggal Entadu sigi nadai kala mis ngeremok bala sida endun ke bok pirang ba karaoke. Hissss, kapa ngalau, sigi utai di empa. Laban unggal Entadu ke manchal, puas bendar ngerara iya ke bekeremok ka buah kubal, enggai ka tikau ka bouncer ke luar pab. Nya iya bulih.
Dear Manang Empangau
Did Jesus ever called those who follow him as Christian?
Who was the founder of Christianity Jesus or Paul?
Regards
Tn Hj Arah, that’s a small matter. I know Jesus had not come up with the word ‘christian’ but those followers later referred to his followers as such. The christians won’t be judged by God/Jesus for using that term. You are the one who judge them here so the burden rest on you.
Paul was speaking for Jesus. All he did was for Jesus and he even died for Jesus and even willing to leave his cruelty towards the christians whom he had persecuted badly. Paul was probably too small/young when Jesus started his ministry and he was too young to understand Jesus and his teaching or why Jesus submit humbly to the crucification by the Jews.
So, Arah, Jesus never called his followers christians but we would like to be called christians in association with Jesus Christ.
Paul greater then Jesus and Moses ?
After Jesus returned to Heaven, the Rich and Powerful Paul claimed to have spoken to Jesus and then added to much of the later part of the GOspel we have today
Although we see from Paul’s writings, that he often differs from the Teachings of Moses and Jesus, and seems to have a hidden Motive for adding to the Gospel
Paul said:
“but to others I say, yes, I, not the lord….”(1 corin 7:12)
luke said:
“I resolved also… to WRITE…” (luke 1:1,4)
Paul said:
“now concerning…I have NO command from the lord, but I give MY opinion…” (1 corin 7:25)
Paul said:
” therefore I think…” (I corin 7:26)
Paul said:
“…. According to MY opinion..”(1 corin 7:40)
Paul said:
” I certainly THINK…” (1 corin 7:40)
Paul said:
” see! I, PAUL, am telling you….”(galat 5:2)
‘Paul’ did not preach according to Christ but instead according to himself and his own opions.
This will help us to distinct from Jesus himself and the man ‘Paul’
It is all over the Bible that ‘Paul’ preached according to his own gospel, and Not the Gospel of Jesus.
For example;
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:” 2 Timothy 2:8
Did God create ‘Paul’ from a miraculous birth? Were the Wise men expecting ‘Paul’, was ‘Paul’ one of the original disciples? Did ‘Paul’ ever see Jesus in the Flesh? No No No and No.
Have you ever found it odd that after Jesus spent all that time with His Disciples, his own Brothers and Friends who he Trusted and they grew to understant his mission and Parables, did you find it odd that Jesus would return unexpectedly and speak to ‘Paul’ and tell ‘Paul’ to tell everyone that the ‘Law of Moses is a Curse’?
As a matter of fact, his purpose for makeing his own Gospel was that he could remove works to convert more gentiles, ‘Paul’ says;
“What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:18
The current Translations say a “without charge” in Greek it says “adapanos”, this word is only used one time in the entire Gospel and could mean “Free from Works”
This Meaning is confirmed in the very next verses that Paul removed the Laws to convert more gentiles;
“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more.” 1 Corinthians 9:19
“To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law–though not being myself under the law–that I might win those under the law. 9:20
“To those outside the law I became as one outside the law–not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ–that I might win those outside the law.”
If any one is familiar with the Gospel, they would know there is no such thing as the ‘Law of Christ’ according to Jesus himself;
“He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s who sent me.” John 14:24
Jesus Clarifies that the Law is not his, it is God’s only, the Only Law is God’s Law, and there is no such thing as Christs Law as ‘Paul’ Admits he does not follow God’s Law and Makes up this term ‘Christ’s Law’ which Jesus himself denies.
Pual wrote the Gospel to make it free from the the Law of God as he himself admits he did not follow the Laws of God.
Therefore Paul was makeing a anti-God gospel and used Christ as a scapegoat, God leaves it up to us to recognize the contradictions between ‘Paul’ and “Jesus”
We see here that Paul was against the Law;
“But now we are Delivered form the Law” (Rom 7:6)
“A man is not justified by works of the Law, but by faith f Jesus Christ” (Gal. 2:16)
“For as many as are of the works of the Law are Under the Curse” (Gal. 3:10)
“In that He said “A new covenant He had mand the first Old. now that which Decayeth and waxeht Old is ready to Vanish Away.” (Heb. 8:13)
What does Jesus say about such a man?
“Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19
‘Paul’ not only taught men that the commandments are ole, a curse, vanishing, will not deliver, will not justify, etc.., but Also Admits that he himself did not follow the commandments of God but makes up a term called ‘commandments of Christ’ Which There are No Such Thing According to Jesus.
To summarize, ‘Paul’ made a gospel free from works to convert more gentiles in consicuence contradicting Jesus and upseting Jesus’s disciples;
“And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs.” Acts 21:21
Do you think any God loveing Jew would tell people to forsake Moses, but ‘Paul’ did as the Disciples were complaining because he wanted to convert Gentiles. Did Jesus preach to Forsake the Laws of Moses Or to Keep the Commandments?
Paul admits there is confusion and mystery in the Gospel of Jesus and says that he himself will fill in the blanks;
“And on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:19
Thus he used his status and wealth to spread his gospel.
‘Paul’s’ inspiration Does Not comes from divine authority
If you consider ‘Paul’ a Saint, then why does he Admit that the Spirit of Evil is in his body? Also admiting that he is doing Evil and not incontrol of himslef all while writing his gospel.
“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”
“Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” (Rom 7:16-21
It suprizes me that Christians would take the words of a man who admits he is evil and does not follow the Laws of God and yet, ignore the Teachings of Jesus who was Sent By God.
Tuan Arah,
I honestly tell you that Paul is just like you and me, only talking about what we know about our god/Allah. Except Paul had a transformation fron cruel to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus.
No way Paul is any greater than Moses or Jesus. Both Paul and Moses were products of their parents but Jesus was born based on the information from the Angel.
You are anti Paul, aren’t you but also an antichrist at the same time coz you don’t believe him the only way tothe heaven, aren’t you?
1 juta bopatau kitab dalam dunya tu end meh olih nerang ke hal tu enggau specific.Nama petara tu, Allah, nang udah bisik dalam mensia semua.ngiga nama tu dalam kitab tau ke bop semua agama end ulih mutus ke cerita tu.nama Allah tu bisi dalam tubuh mensia enda milih orang bisi agama atau orang enda percaya ke agama atau orang kapir.selagi mensia nama petara tu udah bisi enggau ya..ari ya ada sampai ia mati.Ia empu nemu nyebut tu,tang ia bedau ngelala ni petaranya.nyebut allah aje nemu iya tang enda ngelala Tuhan iya.jelu pun sama bakatu..nyebut aje tang enda nemu sapa petrar Tuhannya.Jadi mensia enti enda ngelala Tuhan iya lebih hina ari jelu.jelu nadai diberi petara otak atau akal,tang mensia bisi diberi petara otak atau akal tang enda ngelala petara iya empu.enti orang ngelala petara atau tuhan iya,hal tu enda nyadi hal besai sampai ke politik,laban paloi serta belik baka jelu2 atau teruk dari binatang kerana tidak tahu manakah dikatakan Tuhan itu.
~Jalaluddin Rumi.
I searched for God among the Christians and on the Cross and therein I found Him not.
I went into the ancient temples of idolatry; no trace of Him was there.
I entered the mountain cave of Hira and then went as far as Qandhar but God I found not.
With set purpose I fared to the summit of Mount Caucasus and found there only ‘anqa’s habitation.
Then I directed my search to the Kaaba, the resort of old and young; God was not there even.
Turning to philosophy I inquired about him from ibn Sina but found Him not within his range.
I fared then to the scene of the Prophet’s experience of a great divine manifestation only a “two bow-lengths’ distance from him” but God was not there even in that exalted court.
Finally, I looked into my own heart and there I saw Him; He was nowhere else.
Tn Ataspagar,
Kitai mensia is the most well developed animal but I don’t like to call myself animal. So, coz we are well developed and sophisticated animal, therefore, we are quite complex politically and economically. No surprise. Only God can make us reasonable a human being.