If you're like me and you've bought a PC from any other English-speaking country (which uses a US keyboard by default), but had to study or work in the UK, then you'll find that not having a £ sign on your keyboard can be rather annoying at times.
Out of that frustration, I've compiled this custom keyboard layout installer which remaps the $ sign to £. After installing, you can choose to use it as default, and remove the original US keyboard from the Control Panel (Region and Language > Keyboards and Languages).
PS - You can still input the dollar sign by using Alt+36 (hold down Alt while typing 3 then 6).
Here you go, enjoy!
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0juZXNYNFFnVmVzMEdDTUZscWc
Monday, 3 September 2012
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
The "Allah" Issue (or non-Issue) in Malaysia
Assalamualaikum, Peace Be Upon You.
This goes to all you Muslims and non-Muslims reading this with an open mind. However, this is a Malaysian issue so if you're non-Malaysian, you'll have to do some extra background reading on Malaysia's unique cultural socio-political history.
The reason for why am I even bothered to write this is because I feel that people are becoming blatantly sensitive and picking sides without actually understanding the problem. Being a fan of unity, tolerance and the intellectual revolution, it saddens me to see the people of my country fighting about while being in a state of ignorance and arrogance.
There are basically 2 groups of people. One is for the usage of "Allah" as "God" regardless of religion. These people are mostly non-Muslims and non-Malay. The other one is against it and demands that "Allah" should only be used by Muslims. These people are mostly Muslims, making them mostly Malays. It's pathetic to see how easily a linguistic issue could cause a national, racial and religious friction. Now, throw in some constitutional mambo jumbo and you'll get people using "freedom of expression", "freedom of religion" and other fictional freedoms as their argument's foundation.
I am going to be critical to both sides.
Now, let's establish some facts first.
1. "Allah" is not a Malay word. It is Arabic.
2. In Arabic, "Allah" does not mean god. It means "God" with specific concepts.
3. The Arabic word for god is "ilah".
4. The Malay word for god is "tuhan".
5. Among Arabic speaking people, "Allah" is used by Muslims, Christians, Jews, even pagans. However, the conceptual definition of "Allah" is differs from "ilah" as such "the sole deity, God the Creator" to "deity, god".
6. Non-Arabic/Sematic & non-Abrahamic religions don't usually use "Allah" to define their God/god/gods.
>What's wrong with the ones AGAINST it?
What is the Islamic creed, the Shahada?
"Laa Ilaha Illa Allah" = "There is no god, but God"
Is your faith that weak or your understanding of your faith that poor that you feel threatened just by someone else calling their God with the same term you are?
If a Muslim does get confused and then converts to Christianity, it simply proves that you other Muslims aren't educating them right. I mean really, how hard is it to differentiate between a religion that believes that there is only one God between another religion that believes that there is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Not only that, it also proves that something is definitely wrong with your so-called Islamic system. Have a taste of your own medicine you half-assed Muslims.
The fact is, the Christians believe that Jesus is the son of Allah. The same Allah we believe in. That is our common ground. The biggest difference is, we believe that Jesus is a prophet of Allah. Much more understanding and respect could come out if instead of arguing who should or should not use "Allah", to discussing, and seeking out the truth in each other's concept of "Allah". A true Muslim should be able to walk into a church, listen to a sermon in Malay with "Allah" all over it and know for a fact that the priest is not referring to the Islamic concept of Allah.
Educate your fellow Muslims and children about Islam and why is it distinctly clear to be the correct way of life. Better yet, use Islamic methodologies to fix our judicial, financial, education, political, and welfare system. Lead by example. Don't just tell them you're right, prove it!
>What's wrong with the ones FOR it?
Why on earth do you struggle so much to put "Allah" in your magazine?
It seems more like a provocation rather than an honest attempt to use a Malay word. There are so many other terms you could use as God. From the Malay "Tuhan", to the Hebrew "Yahweh", "Elohim" or "Jehovah", the more English "God", "Lord", "Almighty" and etcetera. It's not even a Malay word, so don't claim it's for the Malay version of The Herald.
How many non-Muslims is Malaysia call their God/gods/god by the name "Allah"?
We're not an Arabic speaking country. "Allah" is not even native to the Christians or any other religions. Not only that, there's no "Allah" in Mandarin,Tamil or English. So if it's not traditional to you language-wise, culturally or religiously, why fight for it like it's your bloody right?
Think about it this way. It's hypothetical so use your imagination. Assume you're a Hindu in ancient Greece. Would you claim to use "Zeus" as Krishna, Vishnu or Rama? I doubt it. You would most probably use "Theos" which is Greek for "God".
Yes, I agree that there are a number of Christians in East Malaysia that have been using "Allah" as "God" by their native language. I have Catholic East Malaysian friends. I've personally read the Malay version of the Bible when I was in high school and was quite happy to find "Allah" all over it. However, although I respect your cause, I find your actions immature. So a less-than-bright minister decided to ban you from using it in your magazine and you want to fight back. Do you even think of the consequences of taking the matter to the High Court? Since when did you trust our judicial system so much that you're willing to make this case a legal matter? You bloody well know that this would lead towards tension. I ask you, what is your intention?
>MY Conclusion
1. Using "Allah" to represent the unadulterated concept of "God" in Abrahamic faiths is fair enough.
2. The Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka) should define what "Allah" means in Malay more specifically. So even if a non-Muslim uses that term for the sake of using the Malay language, its meaning is clear enough.
3. Muslims should put more effort into improving the state they're in rather than going amok over trivial matters. If non-Muslims could only see what true Islam is all about, you wouldn't have time to worry about apostates cause you'll be too busy taking care of reverts.
4. Non-Muslims, especially the Catholics should understand the situation of the country and be more matured. Don't tell me you're not expecting a retaliation when you take this matter to the High Court. Clearly you don't respect the people around you and their feelings. What next, the Buddhist pilgrimage to Nepal would be called the "Hajj" as well?
5. Malaysians, come on. You're better than this. How much longer are we going to allow ourselves to be systematically divided and conquered?
Again, I hope you would all read this with an open mind and forgive me for my less than polite language. Feel free to comment, criticize, share, even re-post this around and tagging people if you think that it's worth reading. I am sorry if there are any errors in the points I've made or as a Muslim would say, Wallahu 'Alam, God knows best.
Wassalam, Peace be with you.
PS - Since it has come to this, to be honest with you, I would be too glad if people would only accept the High Court's decision. For I fear that if the Court of Appeals voided the High Court's decision, matters would escalate to a level I dare not speculate. Catholics, if they managed to ban you again from using "Allah" please refrain from another provocation. A peaceful nation is a better platform for dialogue and in times like this, the intellectual confrontation is what we need, education. For truth will always stand out clear from error.
PSS - I am truly disgusted by what has happened to the churches in Malaysia. Muslims, if you consider yourselves truly a believer in Allah; His testament, the Quran; His prophet, Muhammad; the religion He gave you, Islam; and also consider that your country should be Islamic, then not only do I wish to remind you that it has been made forbidden upon you to inflict harm upon the Christians and their churches, but it is also your responsibility to defend them.
May Allah guide us all and our nation to the path that pleases Him. Amen.
This goes to all you Muslims and non-Muslims reading this with an open mind. However, this is a Malaysian issue so if you're non-Malaysian, you'll have to do some extra background reading on Malaysia's unique cultural socio-political history.
The reason for why am I even bothered to write this is because I feel that people are becoming blatantly sensitive and picking sides without actually understanding the problem. Being a fan of unity, tolerance and the intellectual revolution, it saddens me to see the people of my country fighting about while being in a state of ignorance and arrogance.
There are basically 2 groups of people. One is for the usage of "Allah" as "God" regardless of religion. These people are mostly non-Muslims and non-Malay. The other one is against it and demands that "Allah" should only be used by Muslims. These people are mostly Muslims, making them mostly Malays. It's pathetic to see how easily a linguistic issue could cause a national, racial and religious friction. Now, throw in some constitutional mambo jumbo and you'll get people using "freedom of expression", "freedom of religion" and other fictional freedoms as their argument's foundation.
I am going to be critical to both sides.
Now, let's establish some facts first.
1. "Allah" is not a Malay word. It is Arabic.
2. In Arabic, "Allah" does not mean god. It means "God" with specific concepts.
3. The Arabic word for god is "ilah".
4. The Malay word for god is "tuhan".
5. Among Arabic speaking people, "Allah" is used by Muslims, Christians, Jews, even pagans. However, the conceptual definition of "Allah" is differs from "ilah" as such "the sole deity, God the Creator" to "deity, god".
6. Non-Arabic/Sematic & non-Abrahamic religions don't usually use "Allah" to define their God/god/gods.
>What's wrong with the ones AGAINST it?
What is the Islamic creed, the Shahada?
"Laa Ilaha Illa Allah" = "There is no god, but God"
Is your faith that weak or your understanding of your faith that poor that you feel threatened just by someone else calling their God with the same term you are?
If a Muslim does get confused and then converts to Christianity, it simply proves that you other Muslims aren't educating them right. I mean really, how hard is it to differentiate between a religion that believes that there is only one God between another religion that believes that there is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Not only that, it also proves that something is definitely wrong with your so-called Islamic system. Have a taste of your own medicine you half-assed Muslims.
The fact is, the Christians believe that Jesus is the son of Allah. The same Allah we believe in. That is our common ground. The biggest difference is, we believe that Jesus is a prophet of Allah. Much more understanding and respect could come out if instead of arguing who should or should not use "Allah", to discussing, and seeking out the truth in each other's concept of "Allah". A true Muslim should be able to walk into a church, listen to a sermon in Malay with "Allah" all over it and know for a fact that the priest is not referring to the Islamic concept of Allah.
Educate your fellow Muslims and children about Islam and why is it distinctly clear to be the correct way of life. Better yet, use Islamic methodologies to fix our judicial, financial, education, political, and welfare system. Lead by example. Don't just tell them you're right, prove it!
>What's wrong with the ones FOR it?
Why on earth do you struggle so much to put "Allah" in your magazine?
It seems more like a provocation rather than an honest attempt to use a Malay word. There are so many other terms you could use as God. From the Malay "Tuhan", to the Hebrew "Yahweh", "Elohim" or "Jehovah", the more English "God", "Lord", "Almighty" and etcetera. It's not even a Malay word, so don't claim it's for the Malay version of The Herald.
How many non-Muslims is Malaysia call their God/gods/god by the name "Allah"?
We're not an Arabic speaking country. "Allah" is not even native to the Christians or any other religions. Not only that, there's no "Allah" in Mandarin,Tamil or English. So if it's not traditional to you language-wise, culturally or religiously, why fight for it like it's your bloody right?
Think about it this way. It's hypothetical so use your imagination. Assume you're a Hindu in ancient Greece. Would you claim to use "Zeus" as Krishna, Vishnu or Rama? I doubt it. You would most probably use "Theos" which is Greek for "God".
Yes, I agree that there are a number of Christians in East Malaysia that have been using "Allah" as "God" by their native language. I have Catholic East Malaysian friends. I've personally read the Malay version of the Bible when I was in high school and was quite happy to find "Allah" all over it. However, although I respect your cause, I find your actions immature. So a less-than-bright minister decided to ban you from using it in your magazine and you want to fight back. Do you even think of the consequences of taking the matter to the High Court? Since when did you trust our judicial system so much that you're willing to make this case a legal matter? You bloody well know that this would lead towards tension. I ask you, what is your intention?
>MY Conclusion
1. Using "Allah" to represent the unadulterated concept of "God" in Abrahamic faiths is fair enough.
2. The Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka) should define what "Allah" means in Malay more specifically. So even if a non-Muslim uses that term for the sake of using the Malay language, its meaning is clear enough.
3. Muslims should put more effort into improving the state they're in rather than going amok over trivial matters. If non-Muslims could only see what true Islam is all about, you wouldn't have time to worry about apostates cause you'll be too busy taking care of reverts.
4. Non-Muslims, especially the Catholics should understand the situation of the country and be more matured. Don't tell me you're not expecting a retaliation when you take this matter to the High Court. Clearly you don't respect the people around you and their feelings. What next, the Buddhist pilgrimage to Nepal would be called the "Hajj" as well?
5. Malaysians, come on. You're better than this. How much longer are we going to allow ourselves to be systematically divided and conquered?
Again, I hope you would all read this with an open mind and forgive me for my less than polite language. Feel free to comment, criticize, share, even re-post this around and tagging people if you think that it's worth reading. I am sorry if there are any errors in the points I've made or as a Muslim would say, Wallahu 'Alam, God knows best.
Wassalam, Peace be with you.
PS - Since it has come to this, to be honest with you, I would be too glad if people would only accept the High Court's decision. For I fear that if the Court of Appeals voided the High Court's decision, matters would escalate to a level I dare not speculate. Catholics, if they managed to ban you again from using "Allah" please refrain from another provocation. A peaceful nation is a better platform for dialogue and in times like this, the intellectual confrontation is what we need, education. For truth will always stand out clear from error.
PSS - I am truly disgusted by what has happened to the churches in Malaysia. Muslims, if you consider yourselves truly a believer in Allah; His testament, the Quran; His prophet, Muhammad; the religion He gave you, Islam; and also consider that your country should be Islamic, then not only do I wish to remind you that it has been made forbidden upon you to inflict harm upon the Christians and their churches, but it is also your responsibility to defend them.
May Allah guide us all and our nation to the path that pleases Him. Amen.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
My First Published Article
God versus the Media
- Gaza’s War, Reflected
A few weeks ago, the whole world got a bit noisy. It was the most interesting event of the New Year, with fireworks displays that you would not want to attend. 22 days, 1314 casualties including 412 children, 5300 injured, and almost £1 billion worth of damage. If you have never heard of it, stop reading for a minute and use Google.
If you did know about the war, what keywords would pop into your head? Gaza, Israel, Hamas, rockets, Palestinians, Jews, Muslims, jihad and terrorism just to name a few. What Idea came along with it? A vast majority would relate this war to religion.
Religion causes conflicts? So which religion tells its followers to go against nonbelievers? You must be a sadist to adhere to a religion if that’s the case. Do you personally know anyone who is religious but hates everyone else?
Some interesting points to be put into perspective. Muslims, Christians and Jews are not enemies – Which holy book said they are? The man who established Zionism, the foundation for the creation of Israel was an atheist – A holy cause? Why would Hamas provoke Israel knowing that they are far inferior in terms of weapons and numbers? There were more than a million Jews living in Arab countries for hundreds of years, before the creation of Israel – Is that even possible if there were such hatred between them? What is this war about actually?
I am not giving answers, but merely asking questions. I am asking you to ask yourself how much have you been indoctrinated by the media. I am asking you to think, and rethink. You deserve to know the truth and by seeking it, you will come to grasp of how man turned the greatest gift of god to humanity into the greatest joke.
*Published in Loughborough University's LABEL Magazine,
Issue 9 - 13th February 2009
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