Pakistan bans English translations for sacred Arabic terms

Pakistan has banned the use of English translations like "God" and "Prophet" for Arabic terms such as "Allah" and "Rasool".

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ratified a government decision to this effect.

Henceforth, only Arabic words will be used for "Masjid", which means mosque, and Sala'at, for prayer.

The country's clerics have hailed the government decision especially since it comes during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Mufti Naeem told the local Samaa news that while the move is commendable, it should be enforced in letter and spirit.

Another religious cleric, Mufti Muneebur Rehman, has also lauded the move saying English does not have enough equivalents for Arabic words.

It will technically be illegal to use English words for specific Arabic terms, which are deemed as Islamic by the government. However, it is still unclear how exactly the decision will be implemented.