Top Islamic body: Yoga is not for Muslims

[jinjuku]

From CNN: Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday ruled against Muslims practicing yoga, saying it had elements of other religions that could corrupt Muslims.

I would like to hear from an Islamic forum member why western cultures shouldn't be a teansy bit weary about Muslim culture.

This isn't some splinter rouge faction.

 

[highfigh]

From CNN: Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday ruled against Muslims practicing yoga, saying it had elements of other religions that could corrupt Muslims.

I would like to hear from an Islamic forum member why western cultures shouldn't be a teansy bit weary about Muslim culture.

This isn't some splinter rouge faction.

I believe it's because they want to keep the religion "pure". At that point, how can they say that a convert is a "pure" Muslim? They say it's a religion of peace but it sure isn't a religion of tolerance.

 

[Panjsheri]

From CNN: Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday ruled against Muslims practicing yoga, saying it had elements of other religions that could corrupt Muslims.

I would like to hear from an Islamic forum member why western cultures shouldn't be a teansy bit weary about Muslim culture.

This isn't some splinter rouge faction.

I am a Muslim and I can tell you one thing that these "Islamic Bodies" are not a court or judicial system but a group of "Priests" AKA Mullahs or preachers who debate what would be good and/ or bad for their peoples interests. In some countries this is done often about all sorts of issues, practices and etc because in Islam the people are seen as a large community and this group is meant to help the community. Think of it as a town meeting and the Islamic body is the mayor and his panel of associates who deliberate on town matters. Its hard to explain how things work in Islam especially with what is going on in todays world but that is how the Malaysians and some other communities are. There is nothing to be weary about especially if it concerns yoga and a lot of it has to do with people just not knowing enough about Muslims whether they are African, Asian, Indian, Arab, Oriental, etc because we are all different even though we follow the same religion.

 

[Panjsheri]

I believe it's because they want to keep the religion "pure". At that point, how can they say that a convert is a "pure" Muslim? They say it's a religion of peace but it sure isn't a religion of tolerance.

Actually I don't think its about keeping the faith "pure" but instead worry about young Muslims looking a different way and in turn confusing people about not only their own faith and beliefs but being confused by practices that a lot of them know nothing about. A lot of Islamic bodies are made up of elders from the community/ government who are not so open to change because they are more conservative minded and don't deal with change as well as the new generation does.

I don't see how this can relate to converts and the issue of whether they are "pure" or not. A lot of converts to Islam already have a fundamental understanding of Islam as it has the same grass roots such as Christianity and Judaism but a different approach to the teachings. For example we believe in Jesus AKA Esah, Moses AKA Musa, David AKA Daud and etc just like many Christians believe in them but Jesus in particular not as the son of God or God himself but as a messenger of God. With respect to Judaism we like them do not eat Pork and when we slaughter an animal we give thanks with a special prayer meaning that the food is now Kosher or in our terms Halal.

Islam is a religion of Peace and YES also tolerance but you may not believe so because like a lot of people their interpretation of Islam or Muslims is related to the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden and others who give Islam and its followers a bad name. We like other peoples and countries strive for peace, happiness and prosperity like others but we are just misunderstood by those whose fears shroud the truth.

 

[jinjuku]

Actually I don't think its about keeping the faith "pure" but instead worry about young Muslims looking a different way and in turn confusing people about not only their own faith and beliefs but being confused by practices that a lot of them know nothing about. A lot of Islamic bodies are made up of elders from the community/ government who are not so open to change because they are more conservative minded and don't deal with change as well as the new generation does.

I don't see how this can relate to converts and the issue of whether they are "pure" or not. A lot of converts to Islam already have a fundamental understanding of Islam as it has the same grass roots such as Christianity and Judaism but a different approach to the teachings. For example we believe in Jesus AKA Esah, Moses AKA Musa, David AKA Daud and etc just like many Christians believe in them but Jesus in particular not as the son of God or God himself but as a messenger of God. With respect to Judaism we like them do not eat Pork and when we slaughter an animal we give thanks with a special prayer meaning that the food is now Kosher or in our terms Halal.

Islam is a religion of Peace and YES also tolerance but you may not believe so because like a lot of people their interpretation of Islam or Muslims is related to the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden and others who give Islam and its followers a bad name. We like other peoples and countries strive for peace, happiness and prosperity like others but we are just misunderstood by those whose fears shroud the truth.

Thanks for contributing Panjsheri. When it comes to tolerance (or lack of) I don't so much view Islam in the light of the Taliban/Al-Qaeda/Osama Bin Laden.

I view it more in the light of Malaysia and the fatwa against something like yoga. Or Saudi Arabia with females being severely restricted and the religious police there, or Calgary where the Muslim community was trying to tell the government that they should be able to handle a murder between two Muslim youth with Sharia and disregard Canadian law.

These aren't highly splintered, off the hook factions. They are main stream.
What I didn't or haven't found is some form of outcry from main stream Muslims that would rather not be all painted by this brush. It does make me wonder what is the next fatwa and from where will it originate. Will it be another Salman Rushdie or the murder of a Danish cartoonist.

I just don't recall the last time I saw a Christian, Hindi, Buddhist, Taoist religious leader getting up in arms over something so innocuous as yoga.

I think you need to realize that fair or not, even reasonable and prudent people will view Muslims as a whole. It may be too much to figure out this group or that group, their Imam, and what things they may or may not be for.

 

[highfigh]

Islam is a religion of Peace and YES also tolerance but you may not believe so because like a lot of people their interpretation of Islam or Muslims is related to the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden and others who give Islam and its followers a bad name. We like other peoples and countries strive for peace, happiness and prosperity like others but we are just misunderstood by those whose fears shroud the truth.

By "pure", I was referring to adopting practices from other religions or philosophies. I wouldn't expect the Mullahs and Imams to accept certain aspects of daily life that some practice simply because they just don't seem acceptable to many theistic religions, IMO. From what I have read and heard, true Muslims have rules that they're required to observe (like most other religions) and while it's normal practice for the leaders to be very conservative, it doesn't sound particularly tolerant from the perspective of someone on the outside. When the conservatism is taken to extremes, more and more is restricted. Not criticizing, just an observation.

The fact that Judaism, Christianity and Islam (listed chronologically) are as similar in many ways is why I have a major problem with all of the violence between them. Even during the Crusades, they were killing each other in the name of the same God- Eloh(Elohim) and Allah, right? After 9-11, I wanted to find out why this kind of thing could happen, although after seeing the Taliban destroying ancient Buddhas and artwork in the '90s, I was sure they didn't represent mainstream Islam and at the time, I knew next to nothing about it. Al-Qaeda and OBL have their own version, too and one thing I don't see is mainstream Islam doing much to quash the extremists. The majority seems to be just standing by as spectators. If a family has mostly peaceful members and a couple of rebels, in many cases the family will discipline the bad ones. I'd like to hear a definitive answer to why the extremists are allowed to continue with their destruction of the "outside world's" view of their religion. Even the Catholic Church ex-communicates people if what they do is bad enough (pedophile priests being an apparent exception).

Unfortunately, most of the available information is slanted one way or another and I don't see much reaching out, from any sides. Unfortunately, I think the whole "kill what is feared and fear what is not understood" problem will still be with us for a long time.

Feel free to fill in any blanks or correct errors.

 

[Alex2507]

I got 5 bucks that says the real reason is that they don't want their faithful watching women go into positions that can only mean one thing.

Why do you think the women pray behind the men? Watching an entire row of women do that bend over thing makes keeping your mind on matters of faith tough, real tough.

They don't advocate going to strip joints either.
I'm not saying strip joints and yoga are the same thing.
However the similarities are striking.

 

[jinjuku]

we are just misunderstood by those whose fears shroud the truth.

I am sure the same could be said about Muslims fearing yoga... Looks like a classic example of fearing yoga. When the truth is that it is harmless and non threatening.

 

[Panjsheri]

Well me being a moderate Muslim like most believe it or not I don't understand the Fatwa against Yoga either and even my parents would think it is a stupid Fatwa but again that is something for the Malaysian ppl to agree or disagree with because it is a Fatwa for their ppl and country and not other Muslims. In Saudia Arabia a lot of ppl think that women are severely restricted but in fact they are not and unlike most parts of the world a lot of women in that country are teachers, doctors, engineers and etc its just they wear the traditional Hijab. The Hijab is a way for ppl or men to be specific to not see women as sexual objects but as respectable people amongst society and the women understand this believe it or not. When I go shopping or to the movies here in Toronto, my buddies and I are always talking about how hot the girls are and how sexy the skirts or tight pants are, etc because like all other guys we want a piece of that action like any other guy. But don't forget that the Hijab is not apart of all Islam as some countries wear simple head scarfs while wearing western clothing and in some countries they dress without any head scarf or Hijab depending on the country they are from.

I personally do not agree with the Muslims in Calgary trying to implement Sharia law in a country where that is not a part of the constitution. If they want Sharia law they should move to a country where Sharia law is a part of the constitution like Dubai, Indonesia, Turkey, etc Living in Canada as a Muslim I can still follow the laws of Islam and still obied by the Laws of Canada the only difference is the penalty system which I can live without.

To be honest I don't think there are a lot of people in the Muslim world that do Yoga except for maybe the ones in North America who might do it because they are intrigues by it or think its cool. For most of us praying 5 times a day is Yoga enough and I personally don't need to do anymore stretching. Now also because this is not a life changing Fatwa that will change the way we live most people probably just don't care about it??

The Fatwa against Salman has been removed the last time I checked because he has become a born again Muslim and realizes what he was trying to say was not said in the best manner to other fellow Muslims.

I personally believe that the editors that created the cartoons should have been punished for their depictions as it is not something to joke about when it comes to being a Muslim just like its not funny to make fun of the Holocaust when it comes to being Muslim because they are serious matters to each religion respectfully.

I will admit that the Fatwa against Yoga was stupid but then again that is not for me to judge because it was done in a country where things are done differently then where I come from even though we are of the same faith and if the people there don't have a problem with the Fatwa then who am I to disagree.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Yoga is a purely physical discipline. It is all about flexibility, strength, and balance. It has nothing to do with religion or philosophy, so why would religious leaders care about it one way or another? Isn't that a bit like saying christians shouldn't do chin-ups?

 

[Panjsheri]

I respect your observation and your viewpoint because it gives me a better idea of what you may think of me or fellow Muslims. I understand your viewpoint and being Canadian raised since I was 5 it does seem foolish but who am I to judge and like I said earlier if the people of Indonesia don't have a problem with a Fatwa against Yoga then why should I. Well not to be rude or anything but most people don't care what others think of their beliefs or how they perceive them. For example a Jehovah's witness would say it is better to die then to receive a blood transfusion to save his or her life. I might not agree to that ideology or method of thinking but who am I to judge I respect them for their beliefs and can only pray for their well being.

Your absolutely right about the second part I don't know why there is all this killing in the name of religion when technically we believe in the same belief and have small differences. In my opinion Jerusalem should be the most beautiful place to live in the world as it is the home to Judaism, Christianity and Islam but its the worst because of the ongoing war and death. The Buddha Statues have been there all this time with Islam in it presence and why destroy them now because they do really believe in Islam and are pushing for their own agenda's. The reason you don't see mainstream Islam do anything about these extremists is because we all have problems in our homelands and are too worried about our own problems and cant take the time/ effort/ money to help defeat these extremists. But in Afghanistan they were fighting the Taliban uprise since its first existence and then with the support of Al Qaeda and OBL it only made it harder for the resistance to quash these groups and their ideas.

We don't allow the view of the outside world view to Islam and its followers to be misinterpreted but with daily news of bombings and deaths, etc it is not easy to keep up considering we all try to lead happy and prosperous lives. There are groups in Facebook, community groups and such that have daily discussions about such news and the people that they interact with get to see the real Islam and what REAL Muslims look like.

Unfortunately, I think the whole "kill what is feared and fear what is not understood" problem will still be with us for a long time.

Unfortunately I think you are right about the above statement not because all people believe the idea but that they have to for self preservation.

 

[Panjsheri]

I got 5 bucks that says the real reason is that they don't want their faithful watching women go into positions that can only mean one thing.

Why do you think the women pray behind the men? Watching an entire row of women do that bend over thing makes keeping your mind on matters of faith tough, real tough.

They don't advocate going to strip joints either.
I'm not saying strip joints and yoga are the same thing.
However the similarities are striking.

HAHHAHA thx for adding some humor to this somewhat serious discussion

 

[Panjsheri]

Yoga is a purely physical discipline. It is all about flexibility, strength, and balance. It has nothing to do with religion or philosophy, so why would religious leaders care about it one way or another? Isn't that a bit like saying christians shouldn't do chin-ups?

Actually Yoga is a spiritual thing as well and not purely physical even though most of us may think so.

Text from the article:

Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday ruled against Muslims practicing yoga, saying it had elements of other religions that could corrupt Muslims.

The National Fatwa Council's non-binding edict said yoga involves not just physical exercise but also includes Hindu spiritual elements, chanting and worship.

They are right about the Hindu spiritual elements, chanting and worship and could be the reason which lead them to suggest a "ban" against Yoga but please understand that the council's decisions are not legally binding on Malaysia's Muslim population, many abide by the edicts out of deference.

 

[jonnythan]

I think a lot of people are just thinking that Yoga is a form of exercise.

It's not. It's a lot, lot, lot more than that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga

 

[jinjuku]

I personally believe that the editors that created the cartoons should have been punished for their depictions as it is not something to joke about when it comes to being a Muslim just like its not funny to make fun of the Holocaust when it comes to being Muslim because they are serious matters to each religion respectfully.

Well, someone else obviously thought the same and people were murdered. I happen to think you are in the wrong (that the editors should be 'punished'). There needs to be a thicker collective skin. Equating making fun of a religious figure is vastly different from the Holocaust.

The biggest reason being that the Holocaust actually existed. Main fundamental monotheistic figure heads on the other hand have been hard to prove their divinity other than some one saying so.

People make fun of Jesus in the U.S all the time... I don't see riots in the streets and blood being spilled.

 

[jonnythan]

I personally believe that the editors that created the cartoons should have been punished for their depictions as it is not something to joke about when it comes to being a Muslim just like its not funny to make fun of the Holocaust when it comes to being Muslim because they are serious matters to each religion respectfully.

Not a big fan of that whole "freedom of speech" thing, I suppose?

 

[jinjuku]

The Fatwa against Salman has been removed the last time I checked because he has become a born again Muslim and realizes what he was trying to say was not said in the best manner to other fellow Muslims.

It doesn't matter that:

1. The Fatwa was rescinded
2. He became a born again Muslim

It only matters that such a ridiculous Fatwa was issued in the first place. Thus my point.

It seems people at large have to watch what they say/write/depict about Islam upon fear of death. I don't even see you as a moderate Muslim coming out and simply that these Fatwa's are wrong. I am trying to be proven wrong about my opinions on the matter.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I think a lot of people are just thinking that Yoga is a form of exercise.

I certainly always thought so! I have been doing yoga for 30 years, and I have zero interest in anything of a religious or spiritual nature!

 

[Cpt.America]

Islam is a religion of Peace .

Isn't it preeched in the Koran to convert or kill?

 

[Cpt.America]

I personally believe that the editors that created the cartoons should have been punished for their depictions as it is not something to joke about when it comes to being a Muslim just like its not funny to make fun of the Holocaust when it comes to being Muslim because they are serious matters to each religion respectfully.

So let me get this straight... because YOU don't think its funny, that means that they need to be punished?

Let me ask you a serious question. What if the same cartoon creator, created the exact same cartoon but this time making fun of Jesus. A) would it be ok then? B) should they be punished for that?

Ya see... thats why its so great to live in the good ol' USA. We here live in a free country where we are allowed the freedom of speech. Its perfectly fine to make fun of religions, groups of people, and even our own leaders. You don't have to agree with what such people say, heck, you can even choose to completely ignore them and even consider their speech to be disgusting or defamatory. But the freedom to question, polk fun, and even disagree with others, including religions and our goverment leaders, is one of the founding prinicpals that makes this country free.

I don't get all upset when somebody runs around making fun of atheists either