'Allah' from birth to death
Word used by East Malaysian Bahasa-speaking Christians throughout life
East Malaysian Bahasa-speaking Christians have been using the word 'Allah' in all aspects of their faith throughout their lives - from the moment they were born to the second they die.
'Allah' is used in the full spectrum of life - from the time the baby opens his eyes to the time he permanently closes them.
The word is used in all the rites and rituals from baptism - including child baptism - to marriage, confirmation of baptism, ordination and commissioning of leaders, right down to funerals.
"We use 'Allah' from the time we open our eyes at birth to the time we close our eyes at death," said Alfred Tais, NECF Malaysia Executive Secretary (Bahasa).
Alfred presented the various books in Bahasa Malaysia used by the Sabah Anglican Diocese for the different services and every book is heavily laden with the word 'Allah'.
These books have been around and used by the East Malaysian churches since pre-Merdeka, he said.
"The word 'Allah' is deeply ingrained in every aspect of our lives. How can anyone forbid us from using it? " asked Alfred, a Sabahan Kadazan.
|