Source: examiner.com

I am simply outraged to learn that Malaysian non-Muslims are banned from using the word “Allah”. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that believes that Islam teaches tolerance, it is heartbreaking to see it being presented as an intolerant religion. Although these days, Muslims predominantly use the word “Allah” to describe God, but there is no reference in the Islamic Scriptures that it is reserved for Muslims only. Muslims believe that there is only one God, which is the Creator of all mankind. Thus, limiting him to one faith is actually demeaning to His powers. Islam promotes both freedom of speech and religion. The Qur’an clearly states, “There should be no compulsion in religion” (2:257). Anybody and everybody who wants to use the word “Allah” to describe God should be free to do so, especially when its intent is not malicious. In a world hit hard with unrest, poverty, disease, war and terrorism, only tolerance and love can bridge gaps and create lasting peace and interfaith harmony. If the Malaysian govt. insists for the rest of the world to see it as a moderate nation, it needs to overturn this ban and let people live with tolerance and freedom.