SMS: MUI's investigation into yoga

Mon, 12/01/2008 10:33 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Your comments on the Indonesian Ulemas Council's (MUI) investigation into yoga following the decision by the Malaysian National Fatwa Council prohibiting Muslims from practicing it.

Yoga is an excellent workout with many health benefits for young and old. Don't ban it please!
BEN
Jakarta

For MUI's information: If people want to deviate from Islamic teachings, they don't have to join a yoga club. Try one yoga movement, namely Garudasana. It's nice you know? Keeps you healthy. I have been practicing for 50 years. It did not change my Akidah.
R. DJAMBEK
Jakarta

Yoga is not confined to a certain religion. The mantras chanted while practicing yoga are simply chanted to develop breathing and to develop concentration. Christians and other religions even practice it, so I think the Malaysian National Fatwa Council should not make a "religious issue" of it.
SIMRAN GALVANKAR
Surabaya

I do agree with the ban. Trend toward practicing yoga will only gradually mislead Muslims. The practice of Islam is far better than that of yoga -- a human product. But most of us do not see it.
BONNA
Jakarta

The ban on yoga is an insult to worshipers of Islam. It only proves that Council believes a Muslim's faith is so weak and therefore, cannot withstand the slightest outside influence. I only wish the MUI would be sensible enough to not blindly follow the Malaysian Council.
SOEBAGJO SOETADJI
Jakarta

I think it's not appropriate for MUI to copy the decision made by its Malaysian counterpart. Indonesia is not Malaysia. The country has its own regulations. Following yoga is only for health.
DYAH PUTRI
Jakarta

Yoga is a good practice for everyone who is concerned with the health of the body and mind. It does not have to be related to a faith. Be broadminded please!
DEVI
Jakarta

Yoga is just another form of exercise and meditation, which is important for our health -- it increases muscle elasticity, and aides in the reduction of mental fatigue. The Fatwa Council should trust the followers of Islam. Yoga will not corrupt their religious beliefs.
SHIHEIM
Jakarta

From any perspective, I think sholat is one form of yoga -- movement, concentration, mantras. Sholat is of course originally Muslim prayer.

This should prove that Islam shares the universal values of the golden rules. Muslims should be thankful for this, and the rest should recognize it also.
NANA
Depok, West Java

Much better for MUI to declare corruption as haram rather than banning yoga.
PRIMA
Bogor, West Java

I think the government should ban Muslims from practicing yoga because yoga is typically Hindu. It's prohibited for Muslims to imitate another religion's way of worship.

Anyway, Islam has dzikir which has the same physical benefit as yoga and is better than yoga. You will get healthy, get a fresh mind and also rewarded from Allah.
MUHAMMAD IQBAL
Jakarta

Wow. The Council will summon yoga experts to explain the practice. I'm waiting for the headline: Indonesia follows Malaysia in banning yoga for Muslims. Soon they'll come up with something even more ridiculous.
IYUEN
Jakarta

Aspects of yoga are very beneficial but the totality of it runs contrary to the teachings of Islam and Christianity. Is this yoga for sport and health or are aspects of Hinduism included in each session?

Yoga, a la Hinduism -- assuming your identity with the divine and chanting the mantras -- is essentially important in bringing you to the point of moksha which is liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth or reincarnation and all of the suffering and limitations of worldly existence.

If chanting is involved then it isn't acceptable. Certain types of meditation are also not acceptable. Meditating and emptying the mind is contrary to the teachings of Christianity. Christians should be meditating on the Word of God when meditating according to the Bible, not emptying their minds.

A fatwa doesn't need to be ordered. Common sense is required. If the yoga class is only stretching, exercise and breathing then it would be acceptable. Anything religious incorporated into the class which runs contrary to your religion's teachings (i.e. Islam, Christianity, etc.) should be avoided.
STANIN
Malang, East Java

I'm a Muslim. Please do show me where in the Koran that says we should ban yoga! Somebody please show me, Kyai, Imam, etc. Also, I blame Malaysia who started this issue!
SARI INDAH
Jakarta

Wait, so as an Indonesian Muslim does that mean I am also forbidden to read the Bible, the Torah and the Vedas? Such ridiculousness. Faith is between the Higher Being and the individual -- private business.

And Islam emphasizes knowledge. Learning yoga, it expands an individual's mind and shows their openness to other cultures. This is just a way to encourage xenophobia in the more conservative areas of the country ... which we clearly don't need more of -- we already do racism pretty well ourselves.
SORAYA S.
Jakarta

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