Yoga is for everyone

But the National Fatwa Council doesnt think so. The report in the Star: The National Fatwa Council will soon come out with a ruling on yoga exercise.

The Islamic Development Department’s deputy director-general (operations) Othman Mustapha said the council’s chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, would make the announcement.

Othman told reporters this after opening the two-day seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence and Eternal Islamic Thinking at Universiti Sains Malaysia here yesterday.

On Tuesday, lecturer Prof Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre advised Muslims who have taken up yoga to stop practising it as it could deviate from their belief.

I think most Muslims would agree that nothing would deviate their belief in Islam, if they are true followers. I have been practising yoga for more than 2 years now. I dont remember learning anything about Hinduism nor have I become a pious Hindu as a result of yoga.

Yoga has made me more positive, centred, alert, healthier and happier.

Okay, here's a clear definition of yoga. Its not a religion. (maybe they feel since it originated from India more than 3,000 years ago, it must be something controversial??)....hhmmmm

Yoga is really a science to perfect one's physical and mental state. For me, it is a way of life to experience enduring health and happiness. And if you think its easy to achieve this, you must be joking!!

There is no short cut to it- my yoga teacher cannot stress enough on the importance of practice, practic, practice. Yoga is my only escape from the world that bombards us with unhealthy practices and bad news. It is a wonderful retreat where I am in harmony with myself and my surroundings.

With Yoga I am able to rectify my system and ensure I improve the quality of my life and my loved ones.

So, it will be a pity if my dear Muslim friends cannot experience this wonderful science.