PETALING JAYA, Malaysia: The fact that different states have differing opinions on the fatwa (edict) banning Muslims from practising yoga shows there is no consensus on it.

Sisters in Islam (SIS) research and publications programme manager Masjaliza Hamzah said that there were a lot of differing opinions going around.

"People are looking at it from different angles," she said.

On Saturday, the National Fatwa Council banned Muslims from practising yoga, which saw a mixed reaction from various quarters.

She also questioned Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abd Aziz's statement, as reported in an English daily, where he said: "Can we appeal to God to change the rules according to our whims and desires?"

"It is fallible for a religious leader like him to say that fatwa cannot be appealed. It's not a divine decision," she said.

"A national fatwa in Malaysia is not legally binding unless the states adopt and gazette it. Only then does it become law," she said.

Masjaliza also said SIS would like to meet Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Islamic affairs Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the National Fatwa Council "with regards to fatwa in general".

"We would also like to know whose opinions they seek before deciding on a fatwa."

In a statement, the Malay Cultural Organisations and Related Bodies Cooperation Network (Pewaris) slammed Hindu Sangam Malaysia president Datuk A. Vaithilingam for commenting on the National Fatwa Council's decision.

"Pewaris would like to warn certain quarters not to get involved and not to question the decisions made by the council.

"The council has only banned the yoga exercises for Muslims and not believers of other religions," Pewaris adviser Rahimuddin Md Harun said.