Islamic ministry advises against writing Allah in Dhivehi

The Islamic Ministry has advised the press and social media users against writing Allah in the local language script.

“We have noticed that Dhivehi writings in news magazines and social media websites increasingly include the name of Allah written with the letters of Dhivehi alphabet.

“Such usage has been banned by Maldivian governments and scholars in the past,” the ministry said in a statement Wednesday addressed to TV and radio stations, websites, newspapers and Facebook users.

“Allah’s name must be written الله like this (or in an Arabic font) in Arabic letters. Similarly, the verses of Quran and Hadith must be written in Arabic.”

Shortening names that include words used to refer to Allah, such as Abdulla or Abdul Rahman, should not be allowed either, it added.

“Since this would not be disputed by anyone who respects and loves Islam, we advise against writing Allah’s name in Dhivehi and to be mindful of the things mentioned,” the ministry said.