Prayer Alert (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Prayer Alert Concerning the "Allah" Issue

Description: On 31 Dec 2009, the High Court decided on the case brought by the Catholic weekly, The Herald against the Home Ministry in respect to the ban on the use of the word "Allah". The substance of the decision by the High Court is as follows:- That the ban by the Home Ministry against the Herald for using the word "Allah" in their publication is unconstitutional and therefore invalid; The use of the word "Allah" is not exclusive to Muslims only but non-Muslims religious groups such as Christians have the right to use the word "Allah" as this is their constitutional right. The decision was hailed as a landmark decision by all parties but has brought significant implication for Christians in Malaysia.
        Author: NECF

On 31 Dec 2009, the High Court decided on the case brought by the Catholic weekly, The Herald against the Home Ministry in respect to the ban on the use of the word "Allah". The substance of the decision by the High Court is as follows:-

  1. That the ban by the Home Ministry against the Herald for using the word "Allah" in their publication is unconstitutional and therefore invalid; 
     
  2. The use of the word "Allah" is not exclusive to Muslims only but non-Muslims religious groups such as Christians have the right to use the word "Allah" as this is their constitutional right.

The decision was hailed as a landmark decision by all parties but has brought significant implication for Christians in Malaysia. In the after math of the decision and as expected, the Home Ministry filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal over the decision. The Muslims NGOs are also not pleased with the decisions and have organised demonstrations in two cities. More is expected to come. They have also organised an outline signature campaign to pressure the judiciary to reverse the decision. There is also a police report over the decision. All political parties are experiencing division within their ranks over this issue. As a reaction, some are asserting and questioning why are Christians now only using the word whereas they have not done so in the past (this is a misguided and erroneous notion deliberately spread to fan the sentiments of the Islamists and t he masses). In the midst of this tension, the PM has called for calm within all cultural communities.

NECF together with other Christian bodies are keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary statement but at the same time making effort to educate the masses on the facts and truth as well as appealing for mutual respect, acceptance and diversity.

In light of this recent development, we appeal to the Christian community to stand together in one heart and mind to intercede for God's will to prevail that peace and order will be preserved in our nation.

Pray that:

  1. All parties will learn to respect each other's right and liberty to practice one's faith and religion. 
     
  2. Unwanted elements may be restrained from provoking and politicising the issue for one's own political mileage. 
     
  3. The masses especially the Muslims will see the truth of the matter and not be swayed by political agendas and overtones to react negatively but exercise mutual respect, good faith and acceptance of each religious groups and practices in diversity. 
     
  4. God to overrule all demonstrations. Peace, order and harmony will be preserved. 
     
  5. Our brethren in Sabah and Sarawak will be awaken to the truth and Body of Christ to arise and pray in such a time as this. 


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