10 Dec 2008

Bernama

KUCHING: Sarawak has ruled that yoga is haram (forbidden) for Muslims in the state in line with the fatwa issued by the National Fatwa Council on yoga exercises, last month.

Assistant Minister (Islamic Affairs) in the Chief Minister's Office Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said that the decision on the fatwa was made by the state Fatwa Council which met last week.

"The state attorney's office is in the process of gazetting the fatwa," he said after the distribution of sacrificed meat in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha at Taman Heng Guan here yesterday.

While he could not ascertain when the fatwa would be implemented, Daud said it was up to Muslims in the state to adhere to the fatwa or not.

He said no legal action would be taken against those who continued to do yoga. "However, they are advised to do other forms of physical activity to keep fit and healthy."

He said that owners of yoga centres would need to consider adapting the yoga exercise to their own religious beliefs.

Malacca has also agreed to implement the fatwa, while Penang, Kedah, Terengganu, Perak and Selangor were still discussing the issue.

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