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Salaam Nitasha,
Thank you for your question.
There is a controversy about the use of expressions like Khuda hafiz (May God protect you), particularly among Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. In this connection it may be of interest to note what a writer in Islamic Voice wrote the following; on the topic of cultural influences on Islamic tradition:
“All those who plead for discarding national cultural traits or symbols do a disservice to Islam. Islam is opposed to shirk (making partners with God), but does not intend putting its followers into a uniform cultural mould…”
Islam neither foists Arab culture or language, nor supports elimination of foreign cultural influences unless they are in direct conflict with the Islamic credo. Still, unfortunately a push towards Arabization of culture is in evidence here. So, Allah hafiz (May Allah protect you) is replacing the traditional Khuda hafiz. Khuda, they allege, is Persian and is not equivalent of Allah. Pakistani newscasters now conclude their programs with Allah hafiz...
“To say the least, this is undesirable. History and cultural past cannot be disowned. Cultural pluralism broadens the vision, fosters creativity, increases tolerance and builds bridges with others. All those who confined Muslim societies into cultural cocoons have smothered the Muslim genius. Look at the Muslim countries, Arab ones in particular. They are cultural deserts as well. Genius among Muslims springs from societies where Muslims share the civic space with non-Muslims. India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom and South East Asia are bright examples.”
“Those among Muslims who sell the ‘hate other cultures’ campaign invoke hadith of tashabbuh bil-kuffar (imitating non-believers) or the prophet’s exhortation to avoid likeness to disbelievers. What they forget is, if at all it means adopting Arab culture, why should there be Arabs, Iranians, Afghans, Berbers, Pashtoons, Baluchs, Punjabis and Tamilians and Malayalis among Muslims? Why the concept of hijab be seen in forms like burqa, scarf, chador or jalabiya? Why there be so many variations in rites and rituals?”
“The multiple Muslim countries we see in the so called Middle East are, in fact, a recognition of our diverse cultures. The borders that run between them reinforce cultural fault-lines within Islam. It is, therefore, time Muslims learn to keep away from such narrow interpretations and envision pluralism; something they expect societies like India, US or UK to recognize. Cultural fundamentalism will ruin us in modern nation-states and turn us strangers...”
Even when there is a lot of sense in the foregoing, I cannot but point out that as members of the world ummah, it is necessary on our part to cling to the original Islamic tradition for keeping our identity as Muslims. Yet, we should take care that our adherence to such a tradition is not too rigid or has a negative effect on our good relationships with the followers of other religions.
As for writing on Islam in languages, other than Arabic, we can follow the norms spelled out by Abdul Malik Mujahid in Sound Vision, for instance. In an enlightening article on the subject, he says: “If it is not an Islamic term, just an Arabic word, don't use it…”
Particularly commendable is the following advice he gives us:
- “Let's make as-salaamu `alaikum dominant. It is better and simpler than 20 other versions of it…
- Let's greet people with as-salaamu `alaikum instead of ahlan, which leaves many non-Arabs wondering what to say…”
And, incidentally he answers your question too, saying:
- “Let's avoid using Khuda hafiz or Allah hafiz. Just say as-salaamu `alaikum as we depart as well.”
Also, please note that Khuda is certainly not one of the 99 names of Allah. It is a Persian word, which came from Hvada and it goes back to the Zoroastrian scripture, Avesta. In Sanskrit it means ‘inherent power’, as mentioned by Dr. S. Radhakrishan in Eastern Religions and Western Thought - Oxford University Press; 1992, pages 157-158.
Hence, I would like to add that I see the following: as-salaamu `alaikum is better than Allah hafiz; and Allah hafiz is better than Khuda hafiz.
Yet, we must always strive to be sensible and practical Muslims, capable of proving to the world that Islam is meant for all times and for all people of the world. This is irrespective of their race, language, nationality or native culture!
May Allah help us and guide us to rise above all kinds of schisms and prejudices!
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