Malaysian court: use of Allah by Christians not unlawful
In a landmark ruling, a Malaysian High Court has overturned a government ban on the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims, saying it conflicted with the constitutional rights of religious freedom.
By Robin Gomes
Following a legal battle that dragged on for more than a decade, Malaysia’s High Court ruled on Wednesday that the use of Islamic words including “Allah” by Christians and other non-Muslim communities in the country is not unlawful. Non-Muslims can also use three words for religious and educational purposes including prayers, publications and religious services.
1986 Home Ministry directive
Malaysian Christians can use word Allah after court ruling
Judge says a government ban on its use by non-Muslims conflicted with the constitutional rights of religious freedom
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A church of the Borneo Evangelical Church in the Bario Highlands. (Photo supplied)
Following a legal battle that dragged on for more than a decade, Malaysia’s High Court has allowed the use of Islamic words including “Allah” by Christians and other non-Muslim communities in the country.
The court on March 10 ruled that non-Muslims can use “Allah” for God as well as “Kaabah” (Islam’s holiest shrine in Mecca), “Baitullah” (house of God) and “solat” (prayer) for religious and educational purposes including prayers, publications and religious services.