Because of its Hindu mantras and elements of worshipping, Malaysia’s National Fatwa Council on Saturday, November 22, prohibited the practice of yoga by Muslims, The Star reported.

“Yoga is forbidden for Muslims. The practice will erode their faith in the religion,” said Abdul Shukor Husin, the council’s chairman. The council said yoga has been practiced by Hindus for thousands of years and incorporates elements of chants and worshipping that aim to be “one with God”.

“Because of this, we believe that it is inappropriate for Muslims to do yoga and the council has declared that practicing yoga when it comes all together with the three elements as haram,” said Abdul Shukor.

“We discourage Muslims to do yoga as a form of exercise because it will ultimately lead to religious worshipping and chanting which is against Islam.” Yoga, an ancient Indian aid to meditation dating back thousands of years, is a popular stress-buster in Kuala Lumpur.

The fatwa was issued after a Malaysian professor advised Muslims to stop practicing yoga as it could cause them to deviate from their faith. “Doing yoga, even just the physical movements is a step towards an erosion of one’s faith in the religion, hence Muslims should avoid it,” agrees Abdul Shukor.

The fatwa is not legally binding but Muslim Malays, who comprise about 60 percent of the country’s 26 million population, usually abide by religious edicts. “Malaysia is not the only country which declares yoga as haram in Islam,” maintains Abdul Shukor. “Singapore and Egypt have come out with the same edict as well.”

The Fatwa Council, one of Malaysia’s highest Islamic bodies, made it clear that the fatwa does not apply to non-Muslims in the Southeast Asian country.

“For us, yoga can destroy a Muslim’s faith. But this is not a matter for the non-Muslims to be concerned about because it’s not imposed on them,” clarified Abdul Shukor.

“We are looking out for the Muslim community.” Ethnic Chinese and Indians - most of them Buddhists, Hindus and Christians - make up about 35 percent of Malaysia’s populace.

The Fatwa Council advised Muslims to seek other practices rather than yoga. “There are many other forms of exercise that Muslims can partake especially when the religion promotes healthy living and lifestyle,” insists Abdul Shukor.

“You can go cycling, swimming and eat less fatty food,” he gave as a few examples. “Performing prayers for example is a good form of exercise.” He could not say how many Muslims were practicing yoga but called on state authorities to punish those who do.

The only exercise that is approved is throwing stones in Sharia executions for adulterers. It is both good for cardiovascular benefits and good for the soul.