In 2008, Malaysia’s top Islamic body announced that Muslims are prohibited from practicing yoga. Some may question, is it because of the Hinduism elements in the ancient Indian that contradicts with Muslim? According to newspaper reports, the Islamic body declares that practicing yoga can corrupt the yogi.

According to a statement by National Fatwa Council’s chairman, Abdul Shukor Husin, those who practiced yoga have one similar aim – that is to be one with a god of different religion. However, some disagree with that particular statement by saying yogi need not have a religious element.

 When the Islamic body banned yoga for Muslims, activist Marina Mahathir prompted what’s coming up next. Currently, the country does not have an accurate record for the number of Muslims practicing yoga in Malaysia; however, many Muslims are attending yoga lessons to achieve inner peace.

Yoga is a well-known exercise rooted in Hinduism. But does that mean that people from other religion should not practice yoga as it may contradict with their religion? Some argued that Yoga is just a form of exercise and it has the power to make a Buddhist a better Buddhist and the same applies for other religion.

When the Islamic body announced the above new rule, one of Malaysia’s hereditary Malay rulers, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded National Fatwa, “in future, any fatwa decision that touches on issues involving the general public should be referred to the Conference of Rulers to be approved first before it is announced".

The country’s decision to ban yoga for Muslims has angered them, as they have been practicing yoga for years without losing their faith and belief. In fact, the Islamic body shall not decide something hastily without considering other opinions.

All in all, Marina Mahathir commented that the decision is a classic case of reacting out of fear and ignorance. After all, those who practice yoga aims to conduct the exercise for mind and body only.