Sunday, November 23, 2008

Yoga banned for Muslims?

Have you read the news that in Malaysia, a country in Asia, Muslims are not allowed to practise yoga? I didn't know that? Why? according to the news, they said that the practice of yoga can make Muslims deviate from their religion. Yoga is banned because it contains elements of Hinduism and hence, Muslims are not allow to do it.

However, the good thing is it is not a law but just a ruling. So, one cannot get into trouble with the law if they do yoga, can they?

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying the Indian physical exercise contains elements of Hinduism and could corrupt Muslims.

The National Fatwa Council, which has the authority to rule on how Muslims must conduct their faith, issued a fatwa, or edict, saying yoga involves not just physical exercise but also includes Hindu spiritual elements, chanting and worship.

Council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin told reporters that many Muslims who practice the globally popular yoga failed to understand that its ultimate aim was to be one with a god of a different religion.

"We are of the view that yoga, which originates from Hinduism, combines physical exercise, religious elements, chanting and worshipping for the purpose of achieving inner peace and ultimately to be one with god," he said.

"It is inappropriate. It can destroy the faith of a Muslim," he said.


Full story on Fox News

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