KUALA LUMPUR – The recent controversy involving fashion brand Vern’s shoe sole allegedly bearing the symbol of “Allah” has stirred up a division among netizens.
This has sparked a debate as some internet users are convinced that the symbol on the shoe sole holds sacred significance to Muslims, while others argue otherwise.
@lovemeAllah, a user on social media platform X, posted a comparison of the controversial symbol with a picture of the brand’s high heel with lace to highlight the disparity.
“Sorry, the design on the sole should be exactly as shown in the picture of the shoes.
“The only question is why there is a separation (in the design) just like in the Alif (Arabic alphabet). In the picture shown, the lace is not detached. It has loops,” the user said.
Nur Hidayah Ahmad Kozi, a Facebook user, criticised the casual treatment of the word “Allah,” citing the recent controversy surrounding socks bearing the same word in KK Mart outlets.
“That day socks, now shoe soles? It is getting out of hand. It is better to lodge a police report,” she said.
Mohd Saman Bahrom emphasised that boycotting the brand was not sufficient and advocated for parental education to enlighten the younger generation about the gravity of this issue.
On the other hand, some netizens defended the brand, asserting that the symbol has no connection to Arabic scripture but symbolises a shoe with lace.
X user @iamaminidris, who identified as a former president of the Islamic Calligraphy Club at an Islamic secondary school in Kelantan, dismissed claims linking the symbol to Arabic scripture.
“The writing on the soles of Vern’s shoes is not at all in any of the above types of calligraphy. The writing on the sole of the shoe only represents the design of the shoe and the ‘lace’ of the shoe,” he said.
Amin stressed the importance of “acting with knowledge and not with emotions alone” to avoid making slanderous statements on this matter.
A user named @_AmranFans said that stern action must be taken by the authorities against the individual who posted about this symbol that seems intended to spark racial tension.
“Hopefully, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police can trace back who started posting about this logo. It looks like they are trying to create racial tension.”
The user also sarcastically said the person who started this issue should learn Jawi again to ensure that the mentioned Arabic scripture resembles the symbol on the shoe sole because some people who learned the Islamic calligraphy are denying the allegation.
Another X handle, @nimofa_, said that he was terrified to see some comments on Facebook containing extremist elements about this issue.
“I just scrolled through Facebook, and when I read the comments, they were quite extremist. It is disturbing,” he said.
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh demanded clarification from the local brand involved, stating that failure to do so within 24 hours would result in a boycott of Vern’s shoes.
Akmal, who previously called for a boycott of KK Mart over similar issues, remains steadfast despite being under police investigation under the Sedition Act.
Regarding the recent controversy, Akmal responded to a Facebook post by Mohd Haridz, an individual who claimed in a video that the script on the shoe’s sole is the word “Allah.”
Mohd Haridz, whose Facebook profile describes him as an employee of the Pahang Islamic Affairs Department, claimed in the video that it was “clear” to him that the script on the shoe’s sole is the word “Allah.”
Following the backlash, Vern’ issued a public apology following accusations of insensitivity towards religious sentiments against Muslims.
The company also said it has ceased selling the product, which offended consumers, following a viral social media post on the matter.
“We sincerely apologise for any unintended offence caused. Our intention was never to disrespect or undermine any religion or belief,” it said in a statement.
In the controversy that erupted over a shoe logo that sparked allegations of resembling the Arabic word “Allah,” Vern’s management clarified that the image was taken from its signature product.
However, they acknowledged shortcomings in the design that led to its misinterpretation and subsequent offence.
Regardless, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husaid announced the initiation of an investigation paper on the viral issue today.
Additionally, the Islamic Development Department has been instructed to convene with relevant parties tomorrow for further clarification on the matter, as confirmed by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Na’im also advised all parties to remain calm and give space to Jakim and the authorities to investigate this allegation. – April 7, 2024