MUI investigates yoga, tells Muslims to suspend practicing

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 11/25/2008 8:20 PM  |  National

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is telling Indonesian Muslims to stop practicing yoga while the council investigates the practice after public concern rose when a Malaysian top Muslim body banned the practice.

MUI head of edict affairs said Tuesday the council would invite yoga experts to explain the practice within the next two weeks.

"We will let them explain it to us before we issue an edict on the practice," he said as quoted by Tempointeraktif.com

The council plans to study whether yoga includes rituals, actions or teachings that run counter to Islamic teachings.

Last week Malaysia's National Fatwa Council, which has the authority to rule over how Muslims practice their faith, issued an edict banning Muslims from practicing yoga, saying the Indian physical exercise contains spiritual elements including chanting and Hindu worship practices that could corrupt Muslims.

Many analysts have said the edict reflects the growing strain of conservatism in Malaysia. The majority of Malaysians are Muslim. (dre)
 

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Pandu Truhandito (not verified) — Thu, 03/19/2009 - 4:23pm

Do they seriously have the time to mess around with yoga instead of those poor people living under the bridge?

Jaka (not verified) — Tue, 12/02/2008 - 9:06pm

I think this is the high time for Indonesian muslims who have open mind to start boycotting MUI or even denounce their members. It becomes a political organ. Just too embarrassing. HAMKA would cry in his grave if only he knew this.

Shafieq Sabbah (not verified) — Tue, 12/02/2008 - 5:48pm

I detest MUI. But lets get the facts right. It is the chanting in Yoga NOT the physical aspects of Yoga that is declared Haram. I am also not a fan of the barbaric Middle Eastern culture as well since their culture has nothing to do with the true Islamic faith... So please, do not put these 2 things together.

David Ryan (not verified) — Tue, 12/02/2008 - 4:43pm

The MUI with stupid ideas like this will make Muslims want to hate their own religion....
Indonesia needs a Shurta back to smash these people into place.
Back on the liquor subject has anyone Listed which custom official has come up with Duty free being open 2 hours per day? why has the Jakarta post not reported this??? why why why ???

Deb (not verified) — Tue, 12/02/2008 - 10:44am

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)is incredibly intolerant organization. This country is becoming a Muslim wannabe look alike of countries in the Middle East. What a shame, this place has so much to share with the world but not for long if these extremist have their way.

Instead of thinking up nonsense such as this, why don't they concentrate on something important, like building hospitals, schools and helping poor people in dire need? And let people decide for them selves what they would like to do with their lives?

Indonesia is an interesting cultural melting pot, but if these freaks have their way it will be just another boring Islamic society. What a shame.

Snizis (not verified) — Tue, 12/02/2008 - 6:23am

At first (DZ) i agree with u

I wana address all those who are in favor of yoga practices and want it to be continued.

Make one thing very clear that non (Muslims) are not suppose to teach how (Muslims) should practice (Islam). If there are (Muslims) who demand the same then we need to revise the teachings with them.

Islam has never forbidden for doing a trade with non (Muslims).
Those who are very knowledgeable and sharing that all kafir has invented everything, i would suggest them to go through the history 1000 years back....you may get better answers....
Anyway its not our debate, lets come to the point.
Let us set our boundries to practice our religion and let us do that.....If those who have this problem plz do it in ur own place i m sure nobody will stop u.

But if u wana practice in public and preach hinduism by staying behind yoga.....u are mistaken.... it will be stoped.....

all the best with ur yoga.....

Fap samodra (not verified) — Mon, 12/01/2008 - 10:11pm

Yoga is going to be banned for Indonesian muslims...
You are guys..non-muslims...very lucky...hik..hik..

Jon (not verified) — Mon, 12/01/2008 - 8:24pm

I agree with some of the comments that if you are a muslim why are you allowed to use thing invented by the kafirs. Muslim should only use what the Arabs have invented anything else is haram. How can you look down on the kafirs and consider them as lower humans well everything you use on a daily bases as been invented by the kafir is it a bad joke from Allah making muslim the true followers of god but making the kafirs the only useful being on earth?

Jon (not verified) — Mon, 12/01/2008 - 8:12pm

Well it is simple if you want to do yoga just convert to another religion!!! Ho I forgot that you can get killed for doing so as there is also a fatwa against converting.

Md (not verified) — Sun, 11/30/2008 - 10:53pm

I believe it will get worse,these peoples will not stop until the people of Indonesia become Arab clone. to all Indonesians we are the great SEA peoples, descendant of great Majapahit and Sriwijaya empire, we are great people rich in culture and tolerant don't let MUI destroy these greatness.
"Be a good muslim not an Arab" Peace.

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