Islamic scholars: Haron wrong about 'kufur'

The heated argument over the use of ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims has been raised a notch as several Muslim scholars criticised PAS deputy spiritual leader Haron Din for his kufur (non-believers) remark.

Haron had reportedly affixed the label to Muslims who defend the right of non-Muslims to use the word ‘Allah’ for God, following the ruling by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Dec 31 last year.

Renowned scholar and former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said Haron should explain the rationale of his comment and not misinterpret other people’s opinions.

“I want to ask him: If we hear the non-Muslims say ‘Allah created the universe’, would we want to take action against them? And would we want to order them to say ‘other Gods created the universe’?” he asked.

Mohd Asri said Haron’s comment is contrary to that of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, reached by consensus at a party meeting last night.

“It is not easy to accuse someone of apostasy, when (Haron’s) own party says that non-Muslims can use the word ‘Allah’,” said Mohd Asri.

“The term has been used since the time of Prophet Muhammad. It is even enshrined in Islamic history. When the Prophet signed an agreement with the (non-Muslim) Quraish clan, it included the word ‘Allah’.”

Abdul Hadi said the word ‘Allah’ may be used by Christians and Jews, but he also said the term should not be abused or exploited as this could affect racial and religious harmony.

In this respect, Mohd Asri reiterated for a guideline or law over the use of the word, in order to prevent provocation.

‘Hold dialogues’

PAS consultative council member Ahmad Awang is of the opinion that akidah (faith) issues and court decisions are different things altogether.

“It would be more deviating to say that the word ‘Allah’ is exclusive only to Muslims because ‘Allah’ is the God of the universe and of all mankind,” he said.

The High Court decision could lead to strengthening Muslims’ understanding of their faith, argued the former Perak PAS commissioner.

He suggested, however, that dialogues be held between those of different religions, to ensure that the word ‘Allah’ is not abused.

The issue is rooted in a ban imposed by the Home Ministry on Catholic weekly magazine The Herald, against use of the word ‘Allah’.

The Herald, which is printed in four languages, has been using the word as a translation for 'God' in its Malay-language section, but the government argued that it should be used only by Muslims.

The term 'Allah' is widely used among Christian indigenous peoples in Sabah and Sarawak, many of whom speak Bahasa Malaysia.

The ministry is appealing the High Court decision, as well as seeking a ‘stay’ order to prevent use of the word in the interim.