JULY 11 — I read with interest the article written by Surekha Yadav titled "Selamat Hari Raya or Eid Mubarak?” (Malay Mail Online, July 10, 2016). Indeed, I am sure all of us have noticed the gradual encroaching of the Arabic language in recent years. The writer was certainly correct in saying that Arabic - or any language for the matter - is a rich and beautiful language. If given the opportunity, I too would like to learn the Arabic language.

However, the over-usage of Arabic terms nowadays may only serve to overwhelm and alienate non-speakers of the language. Two weeks ago during an Interfaith Buka Puasa event, I had the privilege of hearing the Islamic prayer or ’doa’ being recited in English. For the first time in my 25 years of age, I fully understood the prayer recited by my Muslim friends. The words and content of the prayer were so meaningful and so sincere that I felt tears welling up in my eyes. And I felt a tinge of sadness, that I have missed out on such a beautiful aspect of Islam for so many years just because I am a non-Arabic speaker.

While Arabic terms can be introduced, care should also be taken to preserve the local culture. Surekha hit the nail on the head when she said Malay culture is more than just the culture of one people, but it is deeply entrenched in Malaysian and even South East Asian culture. Growing up in Malaysia, for example, we are quite accustomed to wishing one another ‘Selamat Berbuka Puasa’ or ‘Selamat Hari Raya’. But when Arabic terms become the popular norm, many of us non-speakers are left to flounder at a loss. Do I wish my friends Selamat Hari Raya or Eid Mubarak? Will saying ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ make me look un-cool? But what does Eid Mubarak actually mean? Is it just Eid Mubarak, or Selamat Eid Mubarak? And the (unnecessary) angst goes on.

Most importantly, we need a common language to impart interfaith understanding among our multicultural society. Due to Islamophobia, Islam has been badly misunderstood in some communities. Even in a majority Muslim country such as Malaysia, religious tensions are at an all time high. Perhaps rather than creating an elitist club, what we really need is to build a simple bridge that can connect us with one another.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.