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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Fatwa Bans Yoga for Muslims in Malaysia

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(Newser) – Islamic authorities in Malaysia issued a fatwa today against Muslims practicing yoga, BBC reports. The chair of Malaysia's National Fatwa Council said Hindu elements are essential to yoga and could destroy a Muslim's faith. "We are of the view that yoga combines physical exercise, religious elements, chanting and worshipping for the purpose of achieving inner peace and ultimately to be one with god," he said, the AP reports.

Some activists and yoga practitioners in Malaysia defended yoga as non-religious. "What next? Gyms?" asked one activist. "Most gyms have men and women together. Will that not be allowed any more?" Today's move comes after two other recent edicts, and parliamentary losses by the conservative Malay Muslims. "They are making a stand," one expert said. "They are saying 'we will not give way.'"

Fishermen practice yoga at an alcohol rehabilitation center in Nagapattinam district on August 30, 2005 in Tamil Nadu, India.
Fishermen practice yoga at an alcohol rehabilitation center in Nagapattinam district on August 30, 2005 in Tamil Nadu, India.   (Getty Images)
Allyson Puls-Dharmadji and her 2-year-old son Kier take part in the afternoon yoga class at the Serai Hotel July 31, 2002 in Manggis, Bali, Indonesia.
Allyson Puls-Dharmadji and her 2-year-old son Kier take part in the afternoon yoga class at the Serai Hotel July 31, 2002 in Manggis, Bali, Indonesia.   (Getty Images)
A Chinese man practices yoga at a yoga center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008.
A Chinese man practices yoga at a yoga center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin)
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petepenguin
Nov 23, 08 9:07 PM CST
Life,ain't it a bitch. Keep religion out of government. Reply
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Shannonals
Dec 3, 08 2:08 PM CST
Banning Yoga? That's idiotic Reply
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