News agencies – April 4, 2012
A Muslim advertisement stating “There is no god but Allah” has started a vigorous debate amongst TTC riders and sparked a review from the Toronto Transit Commission Advertising Commission Group. After five complaints were made, a working group including Councillor Karen Stintz has decided to allow the advertisement to remain in the Kennedy subway station.
According to the Islam Info Centre, the ad — posted in January — is aimed at raising religious awareness. They have not received any complaints directly. In fact, he said they have been receiving many more visitors inquiring about the religion.
Charles McVety, president of the Canada Family Action Coalition, said it is offensive to all non-Muslims.
Tarek Fatah, founder of the Canadian Muslim Congress, does not agree with the ad, either. “This is what is called the declaration of belief. It basically reads ‘There is no god but God,’” he said.
But the Muslim group translated part of the text into English, and left “Allah,” an Islam word for god, as is.
