Many views have been proffered on the Herald/”Allah” controversy. So many in fact that I barely feel the need to add my own.
Early on, Hafiz offers the difference between proper and common nouns, while Tricia – as I would – turns first to Wikipedia to trace the etymology of the word Allah.
Three other things I came across that seem helpful is this Malaysiakini letter, an op-ed by Francis Siah as well as Bob’s well considered piece. All of these seem very well thought out, and just as importantly, very sincere. I think Bob’s views and analysis most closely approximate my own.
I reproduce some of his argument.
The general reaction towards the impending non-renewal of the publication permit of the Roman Catholic Church’s newspaper, Herald, has generally taken two main approaches :
* The Muslim Perspective: The assertion of the right to restrict the use of the term Allah by non-Muslims when referring to God in the Malay language due to fears of confusion and the lingering suspicion that it is meant to proselytise Muslims
* The Christian Perspective: The assertion of the right to use the term Allah by Malaysian Christians when referring to God in the Malay language due to the precedent set by Arab speaking Christians and the lingering suspicion that this is meant to further restrict the freedom to profess their faith
What troubles me is that neither perspective attempts to seek to breach the barrier that divides us as a community and approach the issue with the presumption of goodwill on the part of either parties. In fact, there is an underlying presumption of ill-will with Christians assuming that this is another attempt to undermine their freedom to profess their faith as they see fit and Muslims assuming that there is an insidious attempt to proselytise their brethren by the Christian community.
An appeal to an Arabic precedent in using the term Allah is, in my humble opinion, inherently flawed.
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On the other hand, the accusation that Christians may have insidious designs in translating the term God to Allah is equally flawed.
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Check him out to read the full argument.
If we lived in my ideal world, no one would care who used which name for which deity.
Seeing that we don’t and people do, I suppose we must balance our priorities and the cost benefit calculations. For instance, what is lost and what is gained by replacing “Allah” with “Tuhan.”
I’m sure some parties would be delighted to see the end of all Christian literature in Malay, but this is something I believe should be resisted.
At the risk of being disappointing, and to avoid my usual BN bashing (which even I get bored of every once in a blue moon :P :) , and possibly because I’m not hardworking enough, I am content to leave it at that for now. I do recommend you read those pieces, esp Bob’s I suppose :)
One of the writers above also sent around a really funny sms or e-mail with regard to this matter, I think you’ll have to ask Li Tsin to send to you or whether it’s ok to reproduce :)
With this done, at some point I must endeavour to make sense of this confusing Subashini judgement.
Nat like u to read http://www.enarip.blogspot.com/ on the “Herald” contraversy as well. Best.
Good thinking here. The word “Allah” is also common Hindustani and has found its way into Hindu spiritual songs. Songs such as “Ragubathi Ragawa Raja Ram ..” are non-sectarian and is sung across a wide spectrum of devout Hindus. Hindus joining the fray may not be a side show since the above mentioned song is often sung as a sign of Hindu solidarity (i.e. soilidarity despite their own sectarian differences). At a time in Malaysia where the Hindu religion is fast becoming politically confrontational, the “Allah” controversy might as well light a fuse.
Bob’s page isn’t downloading for some reason so I haven’t yet been able to read his insights, but surely this issue goes beyond semantics and misperceptions between Christian and Muslim communities. Isn’t this also an infringement of free speech? Why does the govt assume that its people are going to be “confused,” using that as an excuse to issue a ban? Can’t we the rakyat think for ourselves? And, if indeed, confusion arises, can’t we have healthy, open debate–wait, we already are and I am indeed learning–without the strong arm of the govt coming down on the press?
Nat, there’s a reader’s comment on Malaysiakini’s Vox Populi which, IMHO, presents a first-hand account on how East Malaysian Christians use the name Allah and what it means to them. Do check it out.
http://malaysiakini.com/news/76498
Another letter in Malaysiakini written by a East Malaysian Christian. Saw this only after I posted the first link. Worth a read
http://malaysiakini.com/letters/76487
Thanks for the plug, Nat.
My server was down for about an hour today due to another DDOS attack. It probably wasn’t targetted at my blog but I do have a few other sites hosted on the server. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I was having a look at the post that mangchik linked to. I think some of the points brought up deserve some scrutiny. I will try to write a response later.
Don’t mess around with religions you fool!
Nat, perhaps you or the readers here would like to check out these utube clips of Glenn Fredly and Ruth Suhanaya singing about Allah and Yesus. Both are christians and are well known among Malays. East Malaysians christians appalled, aghast and revolted at the authorities for their unwanted interference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ_fGLxzNl0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlWs4gANE2c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsTlKnEMT3c&feature=related
nat,
kalau ada masa, tolong baca pikiran saya dalam
‘kenapa mahu Allah’ dari blog saya.
bumilangit.wordpress.com
jika sudi~