PAS tells government to be positive on 'Allah' issue

Written by Chua Sue-Ann
Monday, 22 March 2010 18:46

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang on Monday, March 22, urged the federal government to view positively the usage of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims, hailing it as a starting point for greater unity.

"Christians have realized that the word Allah has unggul ("Superior") meaning. All this while, (the words) 'God', 'Lord' and others are not accurate. Tat is why the government has to accept this positively.

"Certainly, Christians and Muslims would interpret the word Allah differently but they have accepted one word. That is the end point but at the same time, we can enter the court to engage in discourse with them, debating based on knowledge," Hadi told reporters in parliament's lobby.

The Marang member of parliamnt (MP) pointed out that non-Muslims have accepted Islam as the religion of the federation of Malaysia and that the Allah issue could be the catalyst for greater unity.

Hadi said that the responsibilities of the Muslims were to "explain and not to attack" and that any disputes can be solved through dialogues between religious scholars.

When asked, Hadi maintained that "true Muslims" would not be confused if non-Muslims were permitted to use the word "Allah".

"The problem of ignorant Muslims is our own mistake. We have to guard our believers, educate them so they understand the word Allah," he said.

Source: http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/political-news/162058-hadi-awang-be-positive-on-allah-issue.html


"I urge, then, first of all, that request prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." ~ 1 Timothy 2: 1-3 (NIV)