YOGA

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Yoga strictly for exercise: Muis

By Judith Tan

MUSLIMS in Singapore can continue to practise yoga if and only if they are consciously doing it for the sole purpose of health.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore or Muis on Friday said in a statement that the yoga should not involve religious rituals beyond that taught in the Islamic faith, and remain only a form of exercise.

Yoga as an exercise is about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility.

This is done through the performing different poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.

Muis said in practising any form of exercise - mental or physical - Muslims should always be conscious of all its aspects to better understand and 'distinguish between physical an religious expressions'.

'In this spirit, the Fatwa Committee had issued a fatwa in 1984 which sought to explain that Muslims are not allowed to practice yoga in a form that clearly contains elements of the rituals, such as recitations and beliefs of other faiths,' said Muis.

This statement follows in the wake of a fatwa or religous ruling issued by Malaysian clerics against yoga because of its Hindu roots.

Muis also said it received queries regarding its stand on yoga.

Indonesia's top Islamic body said on Thursday it will consider banning Muslims from practicing yoga.

Cleric Ma'ruf Amin said the Ulema Council was trying to determine if the ancient Indian exercise could corrupt the faith of believers.