Should non-Muslims use ‘Allah’ for God in their scriptures?

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Non-Muslims' Use of 'Allah' in Scriptures Remains Contentious

The question of whether non-Muslims should use the Arabic word "Allah" to refer to God in their scriptures is a deeply contested issue in Malaysia, with significant theological, cultural, and legal dimensions. While some Muslim groups, including the PAS Syura Council, maintain that "Allah" is exclusive to Islam and propose the Malay word "Tuhan" (Lord) as an alternative, Christian denominations argue that such a substitution is theologically inaccurate and creates confusion within their faith. The debate has been further complicated by legal rulings and government initiatives aimed at resolving the issue.
Religious and Theological Perspectives on 'Allah' and 'Tuhan'

PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has reiterated the stance of the PAS Syura Council, asserting that the word "Allah" should not be used by non-Muslims in their holy books, suggesting "Tuhan" as a more appropriate translation for God. This perspective is rooted in the view held by some Malaysian Muslims that "Allah" is a term exclusively reserved for God within the Islamic faith. However, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) counters this by explaining that "Allah" and "Tuhan" carry distinct connotations within Christian theology. The CFM has specifically highlighted that substituting "Allah" with "Tuhan" in the phrase "Lord God" would result in "Tuhan Tuhan," which could erroneously imply a belief in multiple deities among Christians.
Legal Developments and Government Interventions

The legal landscape surrounding the use of "Allah" by non-Muslims has seen significant developments. A Court of Appeal ruling previously barred non-Muslims from using the Arabic word. This ruling has added a layer of complexity to Putrajaya's 2011 10-point solution, which was intended to permit Christians to continue using Bibles in national and indigenous languages. A pending legal dispute before the Federal Court between the government and the Catholic Church concerning the use of "Allah" in the Herald's Bahasa Malaysia section remains unresolved, with arguments scheduled for March 5.
Impact on Christian Communities in Malaysia

The ongoing debate and legal challenges have a direct impact on Christian communities in Malaysia, particularly those in Sabah and Sarawak. Christians constitute approximately 10 per cent of Malaysia's population, with a substantial portion being Bumiputera in these East Malaysian states. These communities frequently utilise Bahasa Malaysia and indigenous languages in their religious practices, including referring to God as "Allah" in prayers and scriptures. The seizure of over 300 copies of Malay and Iban language Bibles by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) earlier this month, due to their containing the word "Allah," underscores the practical implications of this contentious issue.

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Should non-Muslims use ‘Allah’ for God in their scriptures?

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