SHAH ALAM, Feb 6 — The use of expressions such as Alhamdulillah (God be praised) and InsyaAllah (God willing) by non-Muslims is permissible as long as they are used with good intentions and with respect for their original meanings.
The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia's (IKIM) director-general Associate Professor Datuk Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil said that from a linguistic and customary perspective, these expressions are not exclusively restricted to Muslims.
However, the ruling on their usage should be assessed holistically, taking into account intention, meaning, and context within a plural society.
“In the principles of fiqh, the assessment of an expression is based on intention and meaning, not merely on the wording itself,” he said in a statement today.
Accordingly, the use of such expressions is allowed if accompanied by good intentions and respect for their original meanings, but is prohibited if used to mock, insult, or misuse them.
Azam added that this is in line with the opinion of renowned scholar Yusuf al-Qardawi, who stated that words of praise to Allah SWT uttered by non-Muslims are not forbidden as long as they do not imply an affirmation of the Islamic creed or constitute an insult to the religion.
“Islamic scholars unanimously agree that legal assessment must take into account intention, meaning, and societal context,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azam also urged Muslims to practise husnuzon (positive mindset or giving the benefit of the doubt) and to engage with wisdom when addressing issues related to the use of divine expressions by non-Muslims.
“The Prophet Muhammad SAW understood the circumstances of non-Muslims and prayed for their guidance, as long as the expressions used do not insult or contradict Islamic creed,” he said.
Azam stressed the importance of educating non-Muslims about the true meanings of divine expressions, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the name of Allah SWT and fostering a courteous and harmonious approach to dakwah.
Yesterday, Perikatan Nasional's Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff questioned Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming's action in using phrases synonymous with Muslims during a Dewan Rakyat sitting.
The Rantau Panjang MP said the action not only confused non-Muslims but also appeared to make light of the sanctity of Islam.
