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Malaysia appeals ruling allowing non-Muslims to use 'Allah' as translation for 'God'

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] The Malaysian Home Ministry on Monday appealed last week's ruling by the High Court that non-Muslims can use the word "Allah" as a translation for the word "God." The case was brought by the Herald, a weekly Catholic publication, challenging the Malaysian government's three-year ban on the practice. The newspaper argued that other options such as "Tuhan" or "Lord" were not appropriate in the Malay-language editions of their publications, while Muslim groups have argued that use of the word "Allah" by the Catholic church was an attempt to confuse Muslims. The ruling triggered widespread protests throughout the country. The government is also seeking a stay of enforcement of last week's ruling pending appeal. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, has struggled in recent years to find a balance between modernization and the policies of a more traditional Islamic government that has encouraged the spread of Sharia courts. Approximately 60 percent of Malaysians are Muslim, while Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus comprise about 35 percent of the population, falling under the jurisdiction of civil courts. Both civil and Sharia courts have the authority to address cases involving religious issues.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on January 04, 2010 (boomark / email).