Yoga declared 'haram' for Muslims

Yoga - practices that involve physical movements, worshiping and chanting - is officially prohibited (haram) in Islam, the National Fatwa Council declared today.

The decision was expected as the council had previously argued that the ancient practice of yoga contains Hindu ‘religious elements’.

According to the Star, council chairperson Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said although the physical aspect of yoga, excluding worshiping and chanting, might not be wrong in Islam, the exercise should be avoided by Muslims as "doing one thing could lead to another".

"We discourage Muslims from practising yoga as a form of exercise because it will ultimately lead to religious worshiping and chanting which is against Islam.

"In Islam, one must not do things which can erode one’s aqidah or faith. Doing yoga, even just the physical movements, is a step towards an erosion of one’s faith in the religion, hence Muslims should avoid it," he told reporters in Putrajaya.

He also pointed out that yoga has been practiced by the Hindu community for thousands of years and incorporates physical and religious elements like chants and worshiping, with the aim of "being one with God".

"Because of this, we believe that it is inappropriate for Muslims to do yoga and the council has declared that practising yoga when it incorporates the three elements as haram," said Shukor.

Shukor further said the decision to ban yoga was made after serious and in-depth discussions by council members who met last month, following growing concerns of whether Muslims who did the exercise were going against the tenets of Islam.

The announcement was made today after it was put off on Nov 7, as Shukor was overseas on official business.

Yoga, a health-related exercise, has been practiced since 3,000BC and is said to help slow down ageing, reduce the risk of diabetes, asthma and heart-related diseases.

Only Muslims have to adhere

Shukor, however, stressed that the fatwa was strictly applicable to Muslims.

"The fatwa (edict) is meant solely for the Muslims to follow. Non-Muslims need not question or debate this because they are free to do whatever they wish. It is the Muslims who have to adhere to this rule," he added.

Shukor said once the edict was gazetted, it would be up to the state governments to plan implementation and enforcement laws.

"Malaysia is not the only country which has declared yoga as haram in Islam. Singapore and Egypt have come out with the same edict as well."

He said Muslims must be careful to not do things which could erode their faith, adding that the religion strongly advocates "prevention is better than cure".

"There are many other forms of exercise that Muslims can partake in, especially as the religion promotes healthy living and lifestyle. Performing prayers, for example, is a good form of exercise," he said.