IPOH, MALAYSIA: Muslims in Perak will be barred from practising yoga following the National Fatwa Council's edict that the practice is haram (prohibited).
Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury said the state would abide by the decision of the council to disallow Muslims from practising yoga.
"We will be meeting on Dec 9 to make a formal announcement on the matter," said Jamry who is also Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council secretary.
However, the department has not identified any Muslim in Perak who practises yoga, he said yesterday.
In Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said the council must respect the sensitivities and feelings of people of other religions in Malaysia while giving guidance to Muslims.
"Many Hindus have been deeply disturbed by the council''?s announcement. To declare this ancient practice haram and say that it can 'corrupt' a person is very hurtful and demeaning," he said in a statement yesterday.
The council on Saturday issued an edict banning Muslims from practising yoga on the grounds that it was inappropriate for Muslims as it involved chants and acts of worship of the god of another religion.
