Between 1979 and 1984, I traveled once a year to visit my parents who were living at that time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Each visits usually takes around two weeks except in 1979 when I spent 3 months. I enjoyed those visits, made lots of friends with local people as well as foreigners.
In spite of the three different races in Malaysia i.e Malay, Chinese and Indians each with their own religions, culture, traditions, however things seems to be okay.
This can be clearly seen from the fact that its economy has grown very rapidly throughout the years. I believe that such progress can only be achieved by a country whose people are living peacefully in harmony.
Considering the above, I was so surprised when I heard about the recent conflict between Muslims and Christians that originated from the Muslims' objection against the use of the word ALLAH (Arabic for God) by Christians in the country. I was even more surprised when I heard that nine churches have been attacked by people using paints and firebombs.
For detailed media reports, please click here, here, here, here and here.
As a Muslim in Indonesia, where the word Allah has been used by Muslims and Christians for a long time, I felt very sad to hear about the above conflict. I hope that it would stop soon, especially that at the end of last year the High Court in Malaysia has passed a verdict that allow the use of the word Allah by Christians.
Photo: Courtesy of The Jakarta Globe.
10 comments:
Thank's brow....
your post alwais new moment in hits, so good luck friend.
Harry...
It is sad because "Allah" is not exclusive to Muslims, but rather it is Arabic and is used by all Arabic-speaking followers of Abrahamic faiths, is it not?
In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that the term "Allah" pre-dates Islam.
However, it must be noted that Malaysia is not Indonesia. It would seem that the majority of Indonesians are more tolerant and understanding of their Islamic faith than their counterparts in Malaysia when it comes to the use of the word "Allah".
Nursalim,
Thank you for your continuous support my friend.
Rob,
Sad indeed.
Malaysia and Indonesia have its own problems.
Although in this case Indonesians are more tollerant, however there are cases which show that we are less tolerant. Hopefully things would work out fine soon.
Hi Nizam,
The spate of incidents that have occured recently are pretty shameful indeed & displays some intolerance among religions. There is also a lack of maturity to solve issues through the proper channel.
Unfortunately, I see people taking their anger to the streets, with placards that reads "Don't test our patience". These are words that are tainted with ego.
Thankfully, the Christians, be it the Chinese Christians or the Indian Christians are a more tolerant lot & not letting their emotions rule their head.
I wished that there were more rational thinking people like you in Malaysia.
These are my views only. I am neither a Muslim nor a Christian. Just a small soul from Malaysia who belives that all religions of the world are supposed to potray love. Anything else on the contrary is a defeat to the religion itself.
Take care.
I guess that subject is vastly overdone by media.
Christians used to say "Allah" for centuries at a time when Islam and Mohammed were not yet existing. Based on that fact it would be funny if Christians went to court to claim the word "Allah" for them and ban Moslems to use it. That would be a mess!
The hardliners shouldn't be so greedy, but that's the job of hardliners: to be greedy.
Mystique Earth,
My opinion is a reflection of opinion of many other Indonesians except for few fanatics. People in other countries of course may think differently.
Let us hope that the people in Malaysia would settle their differences very soon.
The Brain,
You may be right that this case has been exaggeratedly reported by the media.
Hi, sorry to hear about the confusion. Everyone so sensitive these days. Too much protocol to follow. I know the Christians at my job would jokingly correct each other if the words OMG were stated. I feel as long as the name..A... is not mentioned in a bad way just saying his name brings more power. Bless you and keep you and yours safe.
Paulita,
Thank you for your visit & comment.
Everyone are sensitive today.
Hopefully all parties will reach a win win solution.
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