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Fatwa Bans Yoga for Muslims in Malaysia

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 22, 2008 7:15 PM CST

(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. (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. (Getty Images)

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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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Muslim • fatwa • Malaysia • Yoga

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Radical Cleric Abu Qatada Freed From UK Prison

British officials call him a threat to national security

Islamists Call for Execution of Young Tweeter

Hamza Kashgari, 23, tweeted that he wants to talk to Mohammed as a 'friend'

More Than 1K NYPD Cops Trained With Anti-Muslim Film

FOIA request reveals that film was used more often than officials claimed

Malaysian Opposition Leader Cleared of Sodomy Rap

Ruling could bolster Anwar Ibrahim in elections this year

Stewart: TLC's Muslim Show 'Most Boring' Ever

There's nothing controversial about 'All-American Muslim'

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Newser By Users

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