THE use of Islamic phrases such as Alhamdulillah, Insya-Allah, Masya-Allah and similar expressions by non-Muslims in daily conversation is permissible, as long as it does not demean the sanctity of Islam or contain elements of insult.
The Federal Territories Mufti’s Office said that in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, the use of Islamic phrases by some non-Muslims is a normal occurrence arising from cultural interaction and social integration.
From the perspective of Islamic law (syarak), the practice is allowed provided the phrases are used in the proper context and not as a form of mockery or ridicule.
“If a non-Muslim says Alhamdulillah, including after sneezing, it is permissible for a Muslim to respond with a supplication such as ‘may Allah guide you’ or ‘may Allah grant you healing’,” the statement said.
The clarification is based on a hadith narrated by Abu Musa (RA), which recounts that during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), some Jews deliberately sneezed in front of him in the hope of receiving a prayer for mercy. However, the Prophet instead prayed that they be guided and their condition improved.
The Mufti’s Office, however, stressed that it is not permissible to seek forgiveness or Allah’s mercy for non-believers, as such mercy is specifically reserved for believers.
In this regard, scholars such as Sheikh Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari explained that an appropriate supplication for non-Muslims is a prayer for guidance and divine assistance so that they may come to believe in Allah.
“The permissibility does not apply if Islamic sacred phrases are used with the intention of insulting, belittling or mocking the religion,” the statement said.
In such circumstances, Muslims are urged to avoid gatherings or conversations that involve mockery of Allah’s verses, in line with Allah’s command in Surah al-Nisa, verse 140.
Accordingly, the Mufti’s Office outlined several key guidelines, including ensuring that Islamic phrases are not used in a derogatory manner, are not exploited for commercial purposes that distort their original meaning, and are properly understood so they are used in appropriate situations.
Overall, the use of Islamic phrases by non-Muslims in daily conversation is permitted in a plural society, provided it is accompanied by proper etiquette, context and respect for the sanctity of Islam.
The clarification by the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office comes amid earlier debate over the use of Islamic phrases by non-Muslims.
Previously, Syariah lawyer Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said that the word Alhamdulillah is among several Islamic terms prohibited from being used to refer to non-Islamic religions in most states.
He said the restriction is stipulated under the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment, which has been adopted by most state governments nationwide.
“Alhamdulillah is among the words prohibited from being used to refer to non-Islamic religions in most states, although this does not apply in the Federal Territories.
“If a non-Muslim uses it to refer to a non-Islamic religion, it constitutes an offence under the enactment,” he said in a post on his Threads account on Thursday.
In the same post, Zainul Rijal also shared screenshots listing words and expressions that non-Muslims are not allowed to use when referring to non-Islamic religions.
The issue drew wider attention after Rantau Panjang MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff questioned Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s use of Islamic-synonymous terms during a Dewan Rakyat sitting.
She said such usage could confuse non-Muslims and undermine the sanctity of Islam.