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Malaysia clerics consider yoga ban for Muslims
The Associated Press
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysian clerics are considering an edict to ban yoga for Muslims because it might contain religious elements that violate Islamic teachings, an official said Thursday.
The National Fatwa Council, the main grouping of clerics, will likely issue a ruling by February on whether the ancient practice of yoga is permitted for Muslims, said Harussani Idris Zakaria, the mufti of northern Perak state.
The clerics were studying the issue because some Malaysian Muslims have voiced concerns that yoga might promote Hinduism or religious beliefs that contradict Islam, Harussani said.
"If it's something that is against our beliefs, of course we cannot practice it," Harussani told The Associated Press.
The Fatwa Council's decisions are not legally binding on Muslims, who comprise nearly two-thirds of Malaysia's 27 million people, unless they are enshrined in national or Shariah laws. However, many Muslims abide by the edicts out of deference.
Social activist Marina Mahathir criticized the council for considering a yoga ban, saying it could be "a classic case of reacting out of fear and ignorance."
"Yoga may have spiritual roots but most of us do it for the exercise, both for the mind and body," Marina wrote on her blog.
The clerics drew criticism from some Malaysians last week when they issued an edict banning tomboys, ruling that girls who act like boys violate the tenets of Islam.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/30/asia/AS-Malaysia-Yoga-for-Muslims.php
2008/11/07
Why all this fuss over an ancient form of exercise?
By : Chok Suat Ling
Guidelines on the practice of yoga among Muslims are welcome, but not an outright ban, its practitioners tell CHOK SUAT LING
YOGA is not just about contorting the body into seemingly impossible positions. It can also twist one's mind. Or so some people are saying.
Those who regard this ancient form of exercise as nothing more than a healthy pursuit -- more sedate certainly than aerobics or jumping on a trampoline -- have doubtlessly been befuddled by recent developments. How can stretching and breathing be threatening to one's faith, they wonder.
But it can, believes Professor Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Faculty of Islamic Studies. He recently said that yoga can make Muslims deviate from Islam. He pointed out that yoga could be traced back to Hinduism and urged Muslims who practise yoga to stop and return to the teachings of Islam.
Following strong reactions from both sides, the National Fatwa Council has stated that it will clarify this and announce its stand today.
Yoga enthusiasts in Malaysia are, however, all knotted up with frustration in the face of this development. They are surprised that discussions over the issue have come this far.
Yoga, they contend, is not dissimilar to other forms of exercise and those who practise it are only aiming to be fitter or slimmer. Nothing more.
Most yoga centres in Malaysia cater purely for those who want to enhance their fitness levels. Yoga is taught here in a way that strips away much of its Indian context, say the experts. Classes just involve physical exercise -- some are even combined with other exercise regimes like pilates to form what is called yogilates -- and are advertised as a healthy means to lose weight, tone up, and de-stress.
"Doing yoga is basically like going to the spa but, of course, it is a little bit more active," says Intan Suraya Hashim, who owns an all-women fitness studio offering yoga, jazzercise and body shaping. She practises yoga too and recommends it for its ability to enhance strength and flexibility.
She is clearly disappointed with current developments: "Too much emphasis is being placed on something we are not even doing."
She admits, however, that even before the current debate, there have been many queries at her studio from Muslims, and even Christians, who wanted to know whether there was chanting and meditation. Some were worried that "emptying their minds" during meditation may cause "negative or evil elements" to settle into that blank space.
"I told them we were only into the fitness aspect of it."
According to Malaysian Yoga Society president Manisekaran, Hatha yoga -- which is what most people associate with the word "yoga" -- is free from all elements of religion and occultism:
"It is based on the sound principles of mind-body training to achieve balanced physical and mental health. There is no chanting, praying or worship involved."
He stresses that the other main branches of yoga like Raja, Jnana, Karma and Bhakti are also free from religious concepts.
The society is planning a directory of yoga centres, organisations and instructors of all branches of yoga. Individuals could then investigate the organisations through the directory before joining them.
Some, however, argue that not all yoga centres are non-sectarian. Some centres have statues and deities and are overtly religious in their approach.
And yoga is spiritual in essence. After all, it espouses a union of the mind, body and spirit. It is this unification that brings heightened awareness and calmness, leading to practical benefits in the real world.
There is also concern over the names of some of the "asanas" or postures; and the sun salutation, or "surya namaskara", which is done during the warm-up.
For example, there is a posture called the "Nataraja asana", which is named after the Lord of Dance, Nataraja. The sun salutation is a common sequence of Hatha yoga asanas which has origins in the worship of Surya, the Hindu sun deity.
Yoga teacher Roslin Mohd Daud explains that when the postures were conceptualised, the yogis, being Indian, naturally named them after points of reference they were familiar with:
"The sun salutation, for example, basically involves reaching out and bowing down, symbolically thanking the sun for the light and what it has given. Practitioners do not visualise the sun as God. It is like tai-chi or taekwondo where we follow what has been handed down traditionally because it is efficient for the body. We adhere to them so that we do not hurt ourselves."
Roslin, who has been teaching yoga for three years and practising for seven, stresses that yoga is merely a science of the body.
It is not unlike martial arts or even "chi kung", as it involves meditation, concentration and the awakening of energy centres.
While she acknowledges that a short Sanskrit verse is uttered at the start of some yoga classes and "shanti aum shanti" at the end, their message is essentially one of love, peace and connection between those in the class:
"Sometimes it is not even said. At times, only 'aum' is used in class. It is a universal expression and essentially does not mean anything."
The letter A in "aum" is to activate the lower lungs, the U to activate the middle cavity of the lungs, and the M the upper cavity near the collarbone. Saying "aum" helps one breathe using all parts of the lungs, she says.
As for the spirituality of yoga, some argue that religion and spirituality are not synonymous.
They are not the same thing, stresses Intan Suraya: "Spirituality refers to the need to find out whether there is something bigger in life. For many people, religion fills up this space; it is the answer. Yoga is about surrendering to a higher power or consciousness in general terms but this in no way means a certain deity or god. It is up to ourselves to put our own faith in yoga."
The experts urge religious officials to attend classes and observe how it is taught first before coming up with an edict.
"If they do, they will see that it is purely physical," claims Roslin. "It is not like the enthusiasts here are all running off to India, living in ashrams and surrendering themselves without question to a guru. Here, I believe Muslims will go where they are comfortable with to learn yoga. They will not seek out classes which are not suitable."
Guidelines are appreciated but certainly not an outright ban. Some Muslims have in fact said that their prayers have become more meaningful since taking up yoga as it has helped them better focus their thoughts. A ban will, at the same time, deprive Muslims of a beneficial activity which can be tailored for people from all ages, the infirm and inflexible included.
Roslin adds: "If a Muslim can be led astray, the problem is with the person, not the practice. It means he does not have a strong enough foundation in the religion. In such a case, anything can lead him astray. It does not take yoga to do that."
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2395123/Article/index_html
The Associated Press
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysian clerics are considering an edict to ban yoga for Muslims because it might contain religious elements that violate Islamic teachings, an official said Thursday.
The National Fatwa Council, the main grouping of clerics, will likely issue a ruling by February on whether the ancient practice of yoga is permitted for Muslims, said Harussani Idris Zakaria, the mufti of northern Perak state.
The clerics were studying the issue because some Malaysian Muslims have voiced concerns that yoga might promote Hinduism or religious beliefs that contradict Islam, Harussani said.
"If it's something that is against our beliefs, of course we cannot practice it," Harussani told The Associated Press.
The Fatwa Council's decisions are not legally binding on Muslims, who comprise nearly two-thirds of Malaysia's 27 million people, unless they are enshrined in national or Shariah laws. However, many Muslims abide by the edicts out of deference.
Social activist Marina Mahathir criticized the council for considering a yoga ban, saying it could be "a classic case of reacting out of fear and ignorance."
"Yoga may have spiritual roots but most of us do it for the exercise, both for the mind and body," Marina wrote on her blog.
The clerics drew criticism from some Malaysians last week when they issued an edict banning tomboys, ruling that girls who act like boys violate the tenets of Islam.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/30/asia/AS-Malaysia-Yoga-for-Muslims.php
2008/11/07
Why all this fuss over an ancient form of exercise?
By : Chok Suat Ling
Guidelines on the practice of yoga among Muslims are welcome, but not an outright ban, its practitioners tell CHOK SUAT LING
YOGA is not just about contorting the body into seemingly impossible positions. It can also twist one's mind. Or so some people are saying.
Those who regard this ancient form of exercise as nothing more than a healthy pursuit -- more sedate certainly than aerobics or jumping on a trampoline -- have doubtlessly been befuddled by recent developments. How can stretching and breathing be threatening to one's faith, they wonder.
But it can, believes Professor Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Faculty of Islamic Studies. He recently said that yoga can make Muslims deviate from Islam. He pointed out that yoga could be traced back to Hinduism and urged Muslims who practise yoga to stop and return to the teachings of Islam.
Following strong reactions from both sides, the National Fatwa Council has stated that it will clarify this and announce its stand today.
This issue is, however, not a new one. Around the world, debates have simmered through the years about whether yoga, which has been described as "incorrigibly religious" is in conflict with Christianity and other faiths. Whether it is, or is not, continues to be discussed and dissected to this day.Yoga enthusiasts in Malaysia are, however, all knotted up with frustration in the face of this development. They are surprised that discussions over the issue have come this far.
Yoga, they contend, is not dissimilar to other forms of exercise and those who practise it are only aiming to be fitter or slimmer. Nothing more.
Most yoga centres in Malaysia cater purely for those who want to enhance their fitness levels. Yoga is taught here in a way that strips away much of its Indian context, say the experts. Classes just involve physical exercise -- some are even combined with other exercise regimes like pilates to form what is called yogilates -- and are advertised as a healthy means to lose weight, tone up, and de-stress.
"Doing yoga is basically like going to the spa but, of course, it is a little bit more active," says Intan Suraya Hashim, who owns an all-women fitness studio offering yoga, jazzercise and body shaping. She practises yoga too and recommends it for its ability to enhance strength and flexibility.
She is clearly disappointed with current developments: "Too much emphasis is being placed on something we are not even doing."
She admits, however, that even before the current debate, there have been many queries at her studio from Muslims, and even Christians, who wanted to know whether there was chanting and meditation. Some were worried that "emptying their minds" during meditation may cause "negative or evil elements" to settle into that blank space.
"I told them we were only into the fitness aspect of it."
According to Malaysian Yoga Society president Manisekaran, Hatha yoga -- which is what most people associate with the word "yoga" -- is free from all elements of religion and occultism:
"It is based on the sound principles of mind-body training to achieve balanced physical and mental health. There is no chanting, praying or worship involved."
He stresses that the other main branches of yoga like Raja, Jnana, Karma and Bhakti are also free from religious concepts.
The society is planning a directory of yoga centres, organisations and instructors of all branches of yoga. Individuals could then investigate the organisations through the directory before joining them.
Some, however, argue that not all yoga centres are non-sectarian. Some centres have statues and deities and are overtly religious in their approach.
And yoga is spiritual in essence. After all, it espouses a union of the mind, body and spirit. It is this unification that brings heightened awareness and calmness, leading to practical benefits in the real world.
There is also concern over the names of some of the "asanas" or postures; and the sun salutation, or "surya namaskara", which is done during the warm-up.
For example, there is a posture called the "Nataraja asana", which is named after the Lord of Dance, Nataraja. The sun salutation is a common sequence of Hatha yoga asanas which has origins in the worship of Surya, the Hindu sun deity.
Yoga teacher Roslin Mohd Daud explains that when the postures were conceptualised, the yogis, being Indian, naturally named them after points of reference they were familiar with:
"The sun salutation, for example, basically involves reaching out and bowing down, symbolically thanking the sun for the light and what it has given. Practitioners do not visualise the sun as God. It is like tai-chi or taekwondo where we follow what has been handed down traditionally because it is efficient for the body. We adhere to them so that we do not hurt ourselves."
Roslin, who has been teaching yoga for three years and practising for seven, stresses that yoga is merely a science of the body.
It is not unlike martial arts or even "chi kung", as it involves meditation, concentration and the awakening of energy centres.
While she acknowledges that a short Sanskrit verse is uttered at the start of some yoga classes and "shanti aum shanti" at the end, their message is essentially one of love, peace and connection between those in the class:
"Sometimes it is not even said. At times, only 'aum' is used in class. It is a universal expression and essentially does not mean anything."
The letter A in "aum" is to activate the lower lungs, the U to activate the middle cavity of the lungs, and the M the upper cavity near the collarbone. Saying "aum" helps one breathe using all parts of the lungs, she says.
As for the spirituality of yoga, some argue that religion and spirituality are not synonymous.
They are not the same thing, stresses Intan Suraya: "Spirituality refers to the need to find out whether there is something bigger in life. For many people, religion fills up this space; it is the answer. Yoga is about surrendering to a higher power or consciousness in general terms but this in no way means a certain deity or god. It is up to ourselves to put our own faith in yoga."
The experts urge religious officials to attend classes and observe how it is taught first before coming up with an edict.
"If they do, they will see that it is purely physical," claims Roslin. "It is not like the enthusiasts here are all running off to India, living in ashrams and surrendering themselves without question to a guru. Here, I believe Muslims will go where they are comfortable with to learn yoga. They will not seek out classes which are not suitable."
Guidelines are appreciated but certainly not an outright ban. Some Muslims have in fact said that their prayers have become more meaningful since taking up yoga as it has helped them better focus their thoughts. A ban will, at the same time, deprive Muslims of a beneficial activity which can be tailored for people from all ages, the infirm and inflexible included.
Roslin adds: "If a Muslim can be led astray, the problem is with the person, not the practice. It means he does not have a strong enough foundation in the religion. In such a case, anything can lead him astray. It does not take yoga to do that."
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2395123/Article/index_html
