It is with great sadness and emotions I write this post. The title speaks for itself, that Malaysia has decided to ban Yoga for Muslims. So yes, Malaysia has made another great backward step into caveman-ism by banning Yoga for Muslims. How typical.
Basically, what seemed to have triggered this sudden revelation is the statement by Professor Zakaria Stapa of the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who stated that yoga’s origins could be traced back to Hinduism and saying that it could cause them to “deviate from their faith”. Oh WOW Mr Genius… really?
To me personally, as long as the participants do not deviate from their beliefs. I don’t see anything wrong. Or even if they somehow get inspired to deviate from their faith - I mean… firstly, are we Malaysians being accused of being so weak and incapable that our faith would be swayed just by merely practicing yoga? And secondly… don’t we have the right to choose?
“Muslims cannot practice yoga in its original form because it involves another religion”, says Harussani Zakaria, a controversial cleric from the northern Perak state of Malaysia.
Wow again… the wise words of someone who probably has sky-high cholesterol levels while struggling with an unhealthy BMI.
Who elected the National Fatwa Council (Malaysia’s Government-backed Islamic Council) to be guardians of a healthy lifestyle? Heck - even the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has not done anything stupid like this before. It’s silly enough they feel threatened when women dress up differently (they just recently banned Muslim women from dressing or behaving like men), but now they wanna get their hands dirty on this too? What’s next - a ban on workout apparel for women as well cos it’s too revealing?
In 2005, a study was done by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to evaluate the modern day body benefits of the 5,000-year-old practice of Hatha yoga. I urge you to download the report here: http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/YogaStudy2005.pdf
Though Yoga may not be the sole answer to your weightloss problem, the physical benefits such as increased strength and endurance, improved balance, and better flexibility is something that all of us cannot deny, and in fact should strive to obtain. Bottomline - Yoga can benefit you physically.
I have personally never tried yoga for myself as I’ve been quite happy with the benefits I get from my existing workout routine which is basically resistance training, cardio, and stretching for flexibility. However, to everyone else out there - If I were to give you a tool that would help you get fitter, more relaxed, and improve your quality of life - would you use it, or ban it?
My client, a successful Muslim woman who goes for Yoga classes twice a week and happens to be the wife of a very, VERY influential person in this country, a name you’d find on the newspapers almost every other day - can’t live without Yoga. I can personally testify how much good it has brought into her life. However, she is out of the country at the moment so it will be a rude shock to her once she’s back. It would be interesting to see the fireworks that will fly if she were to get her husband involved in this. We’ll see.
You know… it’s hard enough for us fitness professionals to get people to adopt healthier lifestyles and incorporate physical activity into their everyday life - this ban just makes it so much more difficult for us.
I wonder what’s going to happen to the health clubs here in Malaysia - Fitness First, Celebrity Fitness, True Fitness, California Fitness - will they be forced to put up a ‘No muslims allowed’ sign during their yoga classes? We shall wait and see. You know… it’s annoying that Malaysia keeps making backward steps when the rest of the world is moving forward. Sigh.
I also know that by now… some of you would be offended by the things I’m saying. But let me tell you that different people have the rights to hold different opinions on this - so I have the right to have mine.
I call upon the National Fatwa Council, and Professor Zakaria Stapa to exercise some understanding, and plain common sense in this. I call upon you to take a hard look at your own physiques in the mirror (yes, it looks horrible doesn’t it? Well that’s the result of your sedentary lifestyle!!!). I call upon you to get your bodyfat levels tested, your blood pressure measured, and exercise capacity assessed - so you’ll know how soon you’re going to die of a heart attack before you dare issue thoughtless rules and poke your noses in the affairs of those who are obviously more concerned with their health than you.
And as for my friend The Yoga Instructor - I am behind you all the way. Hang in there woman.
Read also:
{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Well said, deeply appreciated
and God knows how reading that feels like warm hug
right here, right now.
Thank you again.
Oh Wow… I’m speechless.
This is just just ridiculous…
Seriously, a word from a guy should be followed by a nation?
O.M.F.G….
leo: Sadly.. yes, that’s what has happened. A classic example of ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’. Except in this case, they would not only throw the baby out, but also ban the mother from seeing the child ever again.
SHOCKING!!!
America has changed… shall I or shall I not have the nerve to say that this ruling will be reversed?
A “ban” would be a misnomer for the yet undecided ruling for yoga. A religious ruling wouldn’t constitute a ban, but more of something Muslims to be cautionary about. To be frank, I’m a Muslim and I’m no less appalled as you are by how narrow minded some people can be. I don’t see the problem of practicing yoga without deviating from my belief. It’s just absurd. Yes, yoga does root from Hinduism but that’s as far as it goes when we’re talking about “deviating”. Then again, regardless of what the ruling is going to be, anyone who’s smart enough to *think* like any good minded Muslim should wouldn’t want to take the words of some fat old fart so wholeheartedly.
lol. seriously dude, i doubt all the women who re doing yoga would be so quick to leave their practises just because someone who never venture beyond his areas has the urge to say that yoga is haram. Dont misjudge his appearance though, since most of the alim ilks, and most of them are nice (that I know of) live to be 80plus! And if that’s not a sign of good health then I dont know what is.
I would like to apologize if my words aren’t music to your ears.
I’m a frequent reader of your site. So, you partially gets my vote.
But, for you to say “Wow again… the wise words of someone who probably has sky-high cholesterol levels while struggling with an unhealthy BMI” is just plain arrogant. But your article IMHO just summed up that you only saw Yoga in different way, or in another words, you don’t know what the Mufti is talking about.
I accept that you are a very fit instructor with great body, and powerful mind. Just don’t make it as excuse to criticize the Mufti. They are far better equipped than you, even me, not in physical way, but in spiritual way.
I admit there always a need to be fit and healthy. But there are many ways that can be done. If the Mufti decide Yoga is a No-Go, then so be it. Muslim should accept it, because they know better. My sympathy to those who did not.
I hope you could express your dissatisfaction in a better way. Your site is well known, and i’m sure there are many other Muslim readers. Just be careful, next time. Pen (or keyboard) is definitely sharper than swords.
To the Yoga Instructor,you may not do drugs, you may not caught having sex in public. But every two rights you did, will never correct your one wrong. Being a Muslim, you should realize it. My sympathy goes to your parents.
Regards
“If the Mufti decide Yoga is a No-Go, then so be it…” I disagree with you.. if one day they come out with another ban, so be it?
I myself is neither muslim nor malaysian, but I’ve been living in Islamic country since I was born. I believe if you’re well equipped in spiritual way you would be courteous. Do you believe some pose in yoga actually against the Mighty god? It’s pose or mind that matter?
I asked some of my malay friends regarding this ban, most of them said “Oh it’s a fatwa we can’t do anything about it”. Seriously, from my point of view, this is ridiculous.
quoted from yoga instructor diaries.
Enough that I know that yoga is not a religion,
enough that I know my yoga classes do not incorporate any spiritual chanting or religious activity,
enough that I know yoga is the only exercise that combines stretching, strengthening and balancing,
enough that I know yoga is the only sport that I become my own cheerleader, I set my own rules, I do not have to contest and hurt anyone and that I, break my own record,
and enough that I know I look better, feel healthier and became a better person after my introduction to yoga.
Head over to her blog to get more explanation.
LT,
To answer your question, Yes… So be it. For your information, us mortal Muslim, will look up to mufti as our guidance. They are what we called “the chosen one”, to guide us Muslim to become better person. A devoted Catholic (correct me if i’m wrong) would head to the church every Sunday to see the priest. It is the same.
Now… I do not practice Yoga, and i also, do not understand why they decide to banned Yoga. But to show my respect to the Mufti, as they have more knowledge than me, I accept that what they did is for a better Muslim. It is a trait that every devoted Muslim should have. I’m pretty sure that they have done a good study, conducting research, discussion between fellow scholar that they come out with the decision. Mind you, they never gone heywire, like Ayah Pin who is truly lost in his own faith.
I did not condemn the Yoga Instructor. I only have my sympathy to her that she didn’t accept the decision whole heartedly. And for that, i hope she manage to decide what is best for her.
My only concern is, the article is written by a Non-Muslim, who look at it in a different way, condemning the Mufti having a sky high cholestrol and large BMI. Blogger is a fitness instructor, he should sets a good example. Mind you, he may or may not have cholestrol, but i would bet he does live happily everyday in his retirement age. While blogger, despite being a healthy and fit person, may or may not have a problem that keeps coming everyday.
LT, even though you did born and raised in an Islamic country, you did not practice Islam (i presume). I’m sorry to say this, but i found that it is not suitable for the Non-Muslim to condemn the decision to ban Yoga. It is simply because the Non-Muslim didn’t realize the magnitude of the work and effort the Mufti spend, to come out with such decision.
Hye DM..
I am a muslim an I love to workout at GYM. I join yoga class to.. but from my understanding what is the concern is the use of mantra..
Rizwan: Yes, I’m arrogant. So sue me! Why not the mufti spend their time on preventing alcohol consumption, or smoking, or something else that REALLY IS BAD for one’s health, rather than trying to ban something that has been proven to be of good to one’s physical body?
Yes my site is well known, and yes I’m aware of my readers, but this is still fitness related. I will not sit quietly and grumble behind backs. Yes, the Pen (or keyboard) is definitely sharper than swords - that’s why I wrote this.
My friend… God gave you a brain. Use it.
God gave you direct access to Him… consider using that too. My religion does not affect my ability to be able to understand the Mufti’s decision. Even a retarded child can tell you this is stupid.
Think for yourself. If someone asked you to jump off a bridge.. will you do it? Of course not… cos you’ll use your God-given brain and make sound judgement that it is a stupid thing to do. So do the same here!
Why listen to the words of a man? We, just like them, are flesh - we are not perfect. I honestly think that the Mufti are just bored individuals with nothing better to do. I will never accept the words of a man as an instruction from God, all the more, I will never accept the words of an overweight Mufti on how I can keep myself healthy. You are free to disagree with me - these are my thoughts.
What’s annoying is that only in Malaysia will such stupidity take place. Such backwardness!! That some would rather be brainwashed and left behind as the rest of the world goes forward.
LT: You, my friend, are using your God given brains. You will go far in life. If only everyone thought like you did, this country would be a better place.
needa: No concern… if it’s done good for you.. then keep at it! :)
“Now… I do not practice Yoga, and i also, do not understand why they decide to banned Yoga. But to show my respect to the Mufti, as they have more knowledge than me, I accept that what they did is for a better Muslim.” Now this is really your problem.. just like I mentioned regarding my friend.. It’ll be good if you conduct some research why is it banned regarding religion clash and show me some proof so I’m convinced.. Will you just ‘Yes…so be it..’ if ‘the chosen’ one ask you to jihad and bomb yourself in the name of God?
“I’m pretty sure that they have done a good study, conducting research, discussion between fellow scholar that they come out with the decision.” Like DM said, have they conducted deep research on smoking, alcohol and even worse polygamy? Is banning yoga more important than these things? Honestly, from your point of view, are you agree with polygamy? I can’t imagine how ur wife gonna feel for you to have another wife..
“My only concern is, the article is written by a Non-Muslim, who look at it in a different way, condemning the Mufti having a sky high cholestrol and large BMI.” Yes it is from different way of view, otherwise this entry would support banning yoga. It’s also for you to get a bigger picture and input from us non-muslims. I’m not against muslims like I said… I’m just giving my thought, and in here I would like to listen from you as well.
Cheers.
Hey DM, just wanna let you know.. Been following ur blog and twitter haha.. ur blog has given me knowledge, motivation, and insight of fitness.. I mentioned earlier I had a back problem if you remember and throughout your blog I’ve manage to reach my goal. I was 180cm and 85kg back then a year ago. Following my routine and exercise I’ve managed to reach 68kg with low body fat, although no muscle definition, due to some limitation in exercise. However, just wanna congratulate you on your good job maintaining this blog, and looking forward for more tips regarding fitness. I’ve never feel better like now before. Thank you.
If Yoga is link to hinduism and thats the reason its been ban then why not ban kung fu or martial arts as it has links with buddhism. Malaysia is a multi racial society and by doing this it will make the nation much more divided! I rest my case!
DM,
There is no point to sue you. Like i said, my only concern is, you do not set a good example for being a fit person, blasting those Mufti for being overweight. Let me ask you. Do you look down to people that not as fit as you?
When i read your comments, it is the decision to ban Yoga is what annoyed you. Because you are well aware of what Yoga can give. Off course the retarded can see this. But, those statement just highlight your misunderstanding DM. It is not the end result that concerned the Mufti. It is how the result achieved. Just like Needa said, the use of Mantra. You see, for us Muslim, the method must be correct, in order to reach our goal. Earning 1000 per month through hardwork and dedication is much more satisfying than cheating for 10000.
Banning Yoga and jumping bridge is different thing DM. There are thousand other ways to get healthy. Jumping off the bridge is just nuts. Perhaps you can use better analogy.
For the record DM, alcohol and smoking, has been banned for thousand of years. It is the basic teaching. I’m sorry for those who took it, when it clearly has nothing good.
LT, regarding polygamy, I do not have the right credential to comment on that. I’m not married, so i don’t know how it feel. A brief history on polygamy, it is recommended to do, because during our great Prophet time, they engaged in a lot of wars, and many women lose their husband. Polygamy back then is to help to take care of those women. Now, mostly men do polygamy because of sex. Women these days, are very much capable of taking care of themselves. So, it is complicated, although there is clear solution, not many can accept it. But what i can tell you, if the husband is fair, capable and balanced, he will not have trouble in polygamy. To answer your question, polygamy is not wrong so by all means i support it, BUT the husband must be capable.
I have no problem if Non-Muslim wants to comment about it. But do it in correct way. You come with all the facts, but at the same time the author condemning the mufti for having high cholestrol and struggling with BMI. I found that it is truly unacceptable for someone who talk about fitness. Your social obligation is to educate, not looking down at other people who are less fit than you. Just my dua sen…
There are many Muslim brothers and sisters reading this site, yet nobody decide to give a thought/comment/critics to the author of the article. Non-Muslim are asking questions why it was ban. When there are no answer, somebody would say the Mufti are “stupid”, and “have nothing else to do”. Well my friends, it is my job to clarify their action. I’m sure we can accept the different and move on.
Rizwan…shut the fuck up! our malaysian mufti is backward on many things…that is islam to you! stop bashing DM get the hell out of here!!!!!!!!!!!
ooppps did i say that out loud? im kidding….. lighten up kids!
btw they havent decided yet if yoga is going to be banned right? it goes to show that the mufti and his kuncu hasnt finished thier research yet la so chill everyone……
Maxy,
One way you want to make me shut up, is to influence the author to remove my comments. Profanities and four letters word, i’m trying my best to avoid it. If DM can “bash” the Mufti freely, why can’t I? He himself said it is up to me to disagree.
I wasn’t making a personal attack on the Mufti, but I was condemning their decision, and their stupidity. Seriously, I expect people of their stature to be making more wise and beneficial decisions.
Rizwan, I do not look down on people that are not as fit as me. FYI, I will never forget where I came from, where I started from, and what it feels like to be a fat boy. I do however, look down on people who are unable to use their brain for any benefit. Like the Mufti.
I respect your decision on this, and I admire your patience and taking the trouble to respond to this - thank you for giving your input. I knew that I would be stepping on some toes by writing this post - I’m actually glad you chose to say something, rather than the others who only read and grumbled to themselves.
Unfortunately, it just so happens that we can’t see eye-to-eye on this issue. But hey.. life goes on. :)
Shaun: Well said!! I agree!
max: I’m not sure… I keep checking malaysiakini and see no updates yet.
Ninie… any updates? I know you’re reading this.. :)
Well regarding this matter, I got to admit Rizwan might have some point there. And regarding those words said by the Mufti, they are only telling those who are Muslim that yoga is bad, and need to be ban. We who are non-muslim shouldn’t just go and just say anything casually. And beside they are only implementing it on the muslim and not the non-muslim. Well i do have some malay friends who join yoga. I did ask them regarding this matter, some of them dont even give a crap to that. Is actually up to the people whether they would like to live longer and a healthy life style or a bad life style. This is a sensitive issue in our country. This is actually up to the fellow Muslim to think only, is YOGA a bad think or a good thing. “One wiseman words, doens’t mean that everyone will follow” isn’t it. And besides we are Malaysian, lol famous for not following LAW.
Wow, I’m quoted!
I can’t imagine anyone else waiting for MFC to FINALLY announce the fatwa, not because if they say it is Haram, I will stop practicing / teaching but more of, woiii.. business aku, all gyms that now pair membership with yoga package, retail business, healthy food industry will seriously be affected too since Muslims occupy 60% Malaysia population oi.
I have very high respect for Muftis but,
given brain and Internet,
don’t you wonder why ONLY in Malaysia practicing yoga is Haram?
And just so you know, that very Mufti (Johor) that dared to give statement (I quote Berita Harian, 30 Oktober 2008) “Mufti Johor, Datuk Nooh Gadut berkata senaman yoga perlu diharamkan kerana bercanggah dengan akidah, syariat serta akhlak Islam dan wajib ditinggalkan oleh individu yang sudah mengamalkannya serta segera bertaubat kepada Allah kerana sudah melakukan perkara yang salah di sisi Islam” WAS FIRED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT LAST FRIDAY.
Tak percaya?
Call JAKIM yourself at 03-8886 4000
I did my homework and I did fight for my case,
justtttttt like JAKIM :)
Thanks DM for brilliant write-up as always.
As a Malay Muslim, the thought that MY own people (if you have to cringe, you are included) feel the need to keeeeeeeeep telling you how to be a good Muslim, to cover up, to listen to local Mufti (pun intended) so I don’t get burned in Hell, makes me sick in the stomach. Can’t they just let me be a good PERSON? Are they my God and have they experienced afterlife themselves?
We should catch up!
Hello to all,
Prof Stapa tu tak nampak macam professor pun? Poor mouth hygiene and unkempt facial hairs. Poor eye contact and did not look as if he was confident with what he stood for. (Maybe just a bad camera angle too!). He is professor in Islamic Studies, not in Health Sciences. Obviously not linked.
Anyway tell me what actually happens during Yoga classes in Malaysia? Is there a standard curriculum adhered to whereby incorporating mantras and stuffs? What are the meaning of the mantras if they are really used?
Like I thought before, it is just too bad that these Muftis cannot come forward and explain to the whole muslims and non-muslims alike about their justifications in banning and making yoga a forbidden practice. Too bad that they probably cannot even speak English. Can speak Arab ada la, then it is too bad this is not Arab Saudi la. hash hash. Wops I did it again!
Just adding a bit more.
Agak teruk ler, diorg choose to banned yoga all the way instead of choosing a more win-win situation. Instead of banning I think they should make a unified instruction for these yoga institutions not to recite the mantra la for example. By doing this, I think:
1) No one will hate them.
2) They won’t be called ignorant by others. (I used “ignorant” to sound more politically correct”. Wanted to use a 6-letter-word but could not be stupid myself doing that, wops!)
3) That’s democratic.
4) That’s intelligent.
5) It is more cost effective than building Islamic exercise centers around Malaysia - hope you understand my point. (Actually trying to say that they can for example make an Islamic-style yoga centers, right? But why they did not? Use duit zakat ah, since a lot of Muslims like to do yoga right?)
6) This issue should have been delicately managed, not like this. Banning will not solve anything, just making things more difficult to people and to themselves. Lucky this government is Islamic, I wonder if it is secular instead…
7) Booooo….!! Britain is secular, but Islam still shines over there. So why must we agree that under Islamic ruling Malaysia will shine? A thing to ponder about.
8) I will be hated by most, cheered by some, and loved by ninie.
Haha. Nini, sorry for what happened ya! Just hoping a better Malaysia someday. I still love Islam, but some Muslims keep making bad images about this religion.
Well.. they’ve implemented the ban. My mistake for thinking that perhaps they actually still had some sense left in them.
Well done National Fatwa Council - you guys disgust me.
How can a bunch of narrow minded idiots with all the elements of fanatism in them be allowed to be members of the highest body of Islam in Malaysia. The ruling to ban yoga is just like throwing acid on the face of a great world religion, Islam. Sometimes it makes me wonder if Islam is really a religion which emphasizes tolerance and understanding of human nature. Perhaps it is, but I have never seen that in Malaysia. The predominantly Malays muslims have made Islam to appear as if they are the heir to Islam and Islam is exclusively Malay. Being exposed to various cultures and religions, I can say that I embrace all of them without least compulsion, without feeling deviated from my belief, because I still have greatest compassion for mankind. Common guys start banning corruptions and dirty power play by the politicians. That’s against the spirit of Islam and also all the other religions.
If banning of yoga is aimed to protect the Muslims from deviating from Islam, then I think all the other religious bodies too should safeguard their followers by banning anything Islam from influencing them. They must make sure the TVs are switched off or channel is changed when Azan is heard, keep their ears shut from listening to anything islam and also don’t look at anything Islam. we too must not deviate from our religion, brother. Do all these with immediate effect. Hey common, I am not a fanatic. But, some people can do that without least consideration for others’ feelings, so why can’t I make these requests in the interest of my people. We try not blindly follow every religious codes of conduct fearing it might effect the mutual understanding among people from various cultures and religions, but when some people don’t give a damn about that, I feel why must I worry about hurting.
Thank god I belong to a most liberal religion in the world! Islam is a great religion by a great Prophet, but the followers make a mockery of the religion. I am beginning to see Islam differently now.
And, Harlequin. There cannot be Islamic style yoga. You can bring changes to Yoga by changing its name, but Yoga is definitely Yoga. You can change the names of the poses etc, but that will last until someone come up with another fatwa that the posture are all Hindu postures and Muslims should not adhere to that. This is Malaysia, where people walk proud with “I am holier that thou” attitude. Hell to them!!
National Fatwa Council of Malaysia has made another great backward step into caveman-ism by banning Yoga for Muslims. How typical.
Read the ruling of pengkids in the NST online.
The mufti/spokesperson still want to exert power unto others. It is going towards the trend of controlling, the significant issue of how these powerful figures want to control things that are beyond their control. So kuku besi if these fatwa is gazetted by state islamic centres. They are really stoic about keeping preventions of some non-important, small, insignificant things from happening when these things make people happy and healthy. Like yoga. But then the really obvious things like “Mat Rempit”, “Syabu”, “Marijuana” which are more important, can really bring down nations and proven, affected more youths and school drop-outs, and betul2 BUDAYA KUNING are not really fought for and studied by these so-called Muslim think-tanks. Wonder they really think tank, if they cannot see the bigger picture of what is disasterous and what is protective. So many things that make me not proud become a Malay because fellow Malays did it, and this just makes me become even more embarrassed with the non-Malays. Sorry ha my fellow non-Malays/non-Muslims friends. This is not a democratic way of practicing Islam in Malaysia. I am also waiting for figures like Husam Musa, for example, to rise and speak for us Muslims in Malaysia.
Think, if hindus come forward and say Yoga is only for hindus!!!
What is the difference between God, Allah and Bhagwan?
PKS
Well Harlequin, you don’t have to be sorry. I have many Malay friends who are very tolerable and easy to get along, and I learn to see the broadest part of Islam through their eyes. Don’t be sorry. There are always fanatics in all aspects of life, not just religion. But, the only different is that religion is a highly sensitive matter. That’s all.
Fear of so call “deviation from their own faith” or “compromising their religious conviction” is ironical and insulting to the religious followers - Does it mean that these religious leaders think that their followers’ faith religions are so, so weak and they are afraid that followers can be easily swayed by an exercise or by postures that resemble Hindu way of prayer?
These are a bunch of fools who have absolutely no idea about health, and a skewed idea of people’s faith. As usual, paper pushers talking a whole lot of crap. Sad to see so called muslim people damaging Islam’s reputation.
Just look at Stapa’s picture, rosy health image from his face?
Granted, it does not affect me as I dont do yoga, but I find these kinds of actions absolutely absurd. Pure retards.
I googled and came across this blog.
Just a short note for my fellow Muslim, Rizwan:
(a) There is no such thing as ‘the chosen one’ in Islam with the exception of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and your comparison of Muslim ulama’ being ‘the same as’ a Catholic priest is utterly inaccurate. Therefore, these clerics are not ‘maa’sum’ (cannot do any wrong) and as such, Muslims, I believe, have a right to question whatever Fatwas they come up with unless they could come up with good and detailed explanation on why the ban is imposed.
(b) Your comments echoed the sentiments of Muslim Clerics during the destructive Mongol invasion, whereby no questions are allowed for any rulings or fatwas they made. They claimed that ‘the ijtihad gates are closed’. It shivers me to think that now, in 2008, Muslims are not allowed to question decisions made by the clerics, particularly in areas that they are not experts (e.g. the yoga case).
(c) Lest you forget (or do not know) our revered Imam Al-Ghazalli encouraged Muslims to ask questions and to look at things from different angles before arriving at a conclusion. This is how renowed Muslim scientists like Ibnu Sina and Ibnu Al-Arabi managed to achieve great things during the height of the Islamic Empire.
Islam, the real Islam, has been greatly tarnished by the Sept 11 tragedy. As a Muslim, I dare say that this is the point of time where Islam’s image is at the lowest in history. So Rizwan, please don’t make it any worse. Kindly consult accordingly before making distorted statements that could further tarnish the religion.
Thanks - AMM
Guys, for your info, I was actually contacted by a Journalist from BBC London regarding this article on the Yoga Ban. So yes.. the world is watching - but such an embarrassing image is being portrayed!!
Aqidah, Iman, Tauhid and most importantly syirik… Understand those concepts before making comments on the fatwa- otherwise you just sound like a fool.
Further, understand the Fatwa properly. The physical aspect of yoga is not haram. the haram part is the chanting, the ‘oneness with God’ aspect. The fatwa is specifically for Muslims- since you go to church every Sunday, I don’t think you are a Muslim. Why are you commenting on it? Your friend the Yoga Instructor is a Muslim. She had her say in her blog. As to whether she wants to adhere to the fatwa, that would be her choice and between her and God.
Freelander - such small thinking.
I am MALAYSIAN - and I have every right to voice out my opinion on this issue. Forgive me if it offends you that I am able to look at a much bigger picture here, and not on any specific religion.
Furthermore, as an American Council on Exercise-certified Professional, it is my DUTY to the public to uphold and enhance public appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry, which happens to be one of the many things we are EXPECTED to do.
Haram or not haram, or whatever concepts you are talking about, I will always have something to say about anyone, any organisation, any club, any ‘committee’, etc that outlaws any PROVEN, BENEFICIAL form of exercise.
Judging by the narrow minded comment you have given, of course, I don’t expect you to comprehend this.
They are not investigate…what malaysian yoga practice do??most muslim in malaysia just practice without any chanting..they just practice the pose..for better back bone and etc health benefits..i agree with fatwa but they should specific it…except the no chanting..right? why not fatwa advise our politician to follow the right thing….?
after this what?? maybe pilates?
please respect religion, halal(good) and haram(bad)…yes it is beneficial for our health..like i said above….malaysia is like this..make a statement..then forget about it..then repeat again..the fatwa only know aerobic exercise..that’s why….our health minister does not provide knowledge to public(lazy to read on the net) for learning other exercise then LIKE ALWAYS SENAM AEROBIK…malaysia goverment should support FITNESS industry…
Hi guys,
This ruling is meant only for muslims at large, if you’re not a muslim please not to interfere……..thanx
Wow. Too bad I missed the bashing party. To be honest, even if they implement the ban I still think that there should be any problem practicing yoga but I’m not going to argue with anyone about what I think.
It’s really sad that they’ve implemented the ban and it does make us muslims look a bit insensible, backwards and xenophobic. Alternatives are available though. Pilates is worth a try. It’s just like yoga minus the spirituality.
^^^
Sorry, meant to say “there SHOULD’NT be any problem practicing yoga”
This is so funny - I just HAVE to share this! I came across this comment by one ‘Adaml11600′ on Marina Mahathir’s blog - my apologies to those who don’t understand the Malay language:
Imagine this at your friendly Fitness First and Celebrity.
Pilates (U)
Body Step (U)
Body Pump (U)
Body Combat (PG-13)
Mengandugi unsur ganas yang perlu bimbingan ibu bapa. Keganasan boleh menggalakkan anak-anak menyertai kongsi gelap.
Cycling Classes (PG-13)
Ibu bapa dinasihatkan supaya membimbing anak-anak supaya berhati-hati di jalanraya. Berbasikal dengan laju di jalan raya adalah merbahaya.
No under 18 allowed:
Body Balance (18-PL)
Mengandungi unsur-unsur keagaamaan seperti Yoga dan Taichi yang boleh menyinggung perasaan setengah masyarakat dan pergerrakan yang aneh yang merbahayakan
Yoga (18-PA)
Chi Kung (18-PA)
Untuk Bukan Islam Sahaja.
Mengandungi unsur-unsur hubungan dengan makhluk-makhluk halus.
Taichi (18-SG)
Mengandungi unsur-unsur ganas
Body Jam (18-SX)
Pole Dancing (18-SX)
Belly Dancing (18-SX)
Ballroom Dancing (18-SX)
Butt Leg Thighs-BLT (18-SX)
Mengandungi pakaian yang menjolok mata dan pergerakan rapat antara lelaki dan wanita yang mungkin menyingung sesetengah masyarakat
Sauna (Tidak Lulus)
Steam Room (Tidak Lulus)
Spa (Tidak Lulus)
Mengalakkan lelaki dan wanita berbogel
=========================================
Senamrobik anyone?
DM
Looking at the BCC documentary on Youtube, you will at least be happy to note this interesting harmonous linkage between Christians and Buddhists and that being so, Christians would have no objection practising Yoga and medition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCS7P-vdRM
also if you are interested, read the book :
Jesus Lived in India: His Unknown Life Before and After the Crucifixion (Paperback)
by Holger Kersten (Author) Publisher: Penguin (2001)
joy: Seen the book, though I’ve never read it. thanks for sharing!!
Hmmm.
OK the fatwa decides to ban yoga because it contains hinduism elements and chanting mantras. What about silat??
One of my muslim friends told me that if you ban yoga, you must also ban silat also because in silat they incorprate mantra chantings.
And what about sex??? Since kamasutra originates from India,
so is fatwa going to ban Sex?
Shade: agree with you
The fatwa is made [sigh] so the muslims throughout the country must adhere to it… alcohol and drugs are banned too, but still…
In my humble opinion, National Fatwa Council should have been more tactful when making a statement which involves other religion… not only NFC but everyone… as cliche as it may sound, but, being in a multi-racial society, it is really crucial to respect each other’s belief and practice… something that we sometimes tend to forget …
ps: DM, thats really funny… nasib baik weight training is not listed under any of those categories…
Rizwan, you are an uneducated fuck
oh by the way, being born a muslim and researching all religions, it is not outside influences that made me drop islam, it was the religion itself. pce
lol imagine if the mufti decided that it was illegal to shag your own wife, would u accept that too?
Freelander, you too my friend, are an idiot
DM thank you for your great concern and appreciation for human rights and health, keep up the good work and i hope you have more hits!
to dear emperor, i guest you research on religion must have taken you to the wrong path. Peoples like you, who likes to make things complicated are the ones that makes everything looks bad.
Hi adults, I am a retarded child. I read this article, it is so sick, like a ketam mengajar anak berjalan.
A non-muslim should not interfere with muslim issues, so basic, so simple, why make things complicated?
Oh by the way, I am a Catholic. Stupid article.
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