KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Court of Appeal is set to make its ruling today on the 'Allah' issue.

Malaysian Muslims have been divided in this matter, with some protesting against allowing non-Muslims to use the word 'Allah', while many remain on the fence.

Former Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim) director Dr Ismail Ibrahim, in his blog posting, pointed out the court's decision will be based on rule of law and point of law.

The public, particularly Muslims, must accept the decision with an open heart and not fret unnecessarily or gloat should it favour them.

For the most part, Malaysian Muslims prefer to be defensive rather than go down the path of true enlightenment.

Muslims seem to think that the whole world is out to get them, therefore they must be on the prowl and look out for things that have yet to happen and assume the worst.

Ismail put it rather simply: whether or not non-Muslims are allowed to use the word 'Allah', the definition of 'Allah' to Muslims will not change.

It is more important for Muslims to work on strengthening their own faith rather than go on the defensive.

PAS committee member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa was quoted in The Malaysian Insider as saying that the entire 'Allah' issue was given such highlight mainly for political gain.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang also said that there is no provision in the law to restrict non-Muslims from using the word 'Allah'. However, the freedom given should not give room to misuse as 'Allah' is the one God for Muslims.

He added that 'Allah' in Arabic cannot be translated literally to 'God' in other languages, which is why the word 'Allah' is sacred to Muslims.

The Malaysian Islamic Department (Jakim) has urged Muslims to come together and fight efforts to deny Muslims their rights.

Jakim, in a Friday sermon, said to allow non-Muslims to use the word 'Allah' would bring about confusion among Muslims in identifying the true 'Allah'.

Even with the Court of Appeal's ruling today, this issue will remain one that resides in the grey area, an observer said.

Whether or not the Roman Catholic church's publication the Herald is given the right to use the word 'Allah', it should not become a ground for animosity between Muslims and non-Muslims, he said.