Christians in Malaysia can use the word “allah”

The Supreme Court's decision in Qwalla Lalmpur is part of a case filed by Jill Ireland, a Malaysian Christian.

Thirteen years ago, officials at the airport confiscated some religious material containing the word “allah”.

Ireland, a member of an autochthon group, has then launched the legal challenge against the ban, which dates back to 1986.

After continuing delays, the Supreme Court has come forward, arguing that it has the right not to face discrimination because of its faith.

The judge has also decided that stopping Christians from using the word <x0lah” is the illegal and unconstitutional “, said Ireland's lawyer, Annou Xavier.

Malaysia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

Christians in Malaysia say they have used the word “allah” for centuries.

But authorities have argued against using this term in non-Muslim literature, saying it could confuse Muslims and spur it into conversion.

Less than 10 percent of Malaysia's 32 million population are estimated to be Christian, while 60 percent are Muslims.