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UPDATE: Malaysia: Fatwa against yoga reversed

Submitted by wluml on Fri, 11/28/2008 - 00:00
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Source: 
ABC/AP
Malaysia's prime minister said Wednesday Muslims should still take up yoga, reversing an outright ban that has drawn widespread protests amid concerns over growing Islamic fundamentalism in the multiracial nation.
Malaysia's National Fatwa Council, comprising Islamic scholars, told Muslims at the weekend to avoid yoga because it uses Hindu prayers that could erode Muslims' faith.
But the decision drew a sharp rebuke from many Muslims and even Malaysia's sultans, or hereditary rulers, who said that they should be consulted on any matters involving Islam.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi moved to contain the damage, telling the national news agency Bernama that Muslims could carry on doing yoga but minus the chanting.

"I wish to state that a physical regime with no elements of worship can continue, meaning, it is not banned. I believe that Muslims are not easily swayed into polytheism," he said.

26 November 2008

Source: ABC News

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Indonesia's top Islamic body considers yoga ban

Indonesia's top Islamic body says it will consider banning Muslims from practicing yoga.

Cleric Ma'ruf Amin said Thursday the Ulema Council was trying to determine if the ancient Indian exercise could corrupt the faith of believers. If the answer is yes, a nonbinding edict prohibiting the practice could be passed next month.

The discussions follow a decision by the Islamic body in neighboring Malaysia to issue a ban — though Muslims there have been told they can perform yoga as long as they refrain from chanting religious mantras.

Amin said investigators will interview practitioners across Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, to see if restrictions need to be passed. They will also visit yoga clubs and gyms.

27 November 2008

Source: Associated Press