Malaysia: moderate Muslims ally with Catholics on use of 'Allah'
July 09, 2014
Some moderate Muslims in Malaysia have joined with Catholics in a bid to overturn a court ruling that bars a Catholic publication from using the term 'Allah' in reference to God, the AsiaNews service reports.
A group of Islamic organizations has launched an internet campaign to provide "accurate information" about the long dispute over a government policy that forbids the use of 'Allah' by non-Muslims. 'Allah' is the word used by Christians in Malaysia to denote God.
The dispute over 'Allah' has raised tensions between Muslims and Christians, and prompted a series of attacks on Christian churches and cemeteries. The Muslim groups hope to "educate the masses" to defuse that tension.
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Further information:
- Kuala Lumpur, moderate Muslims support Christians in the battle for the use of Allah (AsiaNews)
- Malaysian high court: Catholic newspaper cannot use 'Allah' for God (CWN, 6/23)
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