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Abdul Fareed Bin Abdul Gafoor
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Junior Forumer

Posts: 53

Re:What about a FATWA on Detention Without Trial? - 2008/11/25 22:08 It amazed me when reading postings on the Fatwa regarding the prohibition of certain types of Yoga. Several forumers have suddenly become experts on Islam.

First and foremost it concerns only Muslims, others need nor worry or be concerned.

I quote a verse from the Holy Quran:

Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him)to these disbelievers (non-Muslims) in Allâh: "I worship not that which you worship, "Nor will you worship that which I worship. "And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. "Nor will you worship that which I worship. "To you be your religion, and to me my religion"

Therefore, a Muslim should not be concerned about the religion of others and likewise others be the same too. Allah had cleary said that the non-believers are entitled to their believes. there is no compulsion. there has to be mutual respect.

If a religion (as a matter of fact, any religion) prohibits you from doing something, and just because it is not adhered to by some others, does it means that the religion itself is impracticable? I have never question or ridiculed the religious beliefs of my non-Muslim friends as I’m guided by the above verse. In fact I take the trouble to understand the logic of their practices and respect them. And that does not make me a lesser Muslim.

Secondly the Fatwa DID NOT say about the total ban of Yoga, but only certain form of its practice. It is only in relation to involvement of religious chants, not the physical form. This is very elementary for Muslims. It is embodied in the first pillar of the faith itself. If its the physical movement alone, there is no ban. The headlines of the Sunday newspaper which read ‘YOGA BAN’ was misleading. The fatwa actually states that yoga practiced only in its physical exercise form to be permissible.

What is more startling is that there are several lawyers, whose profession requires them to be sticklers for details have jumped the bandwagon by posting comments as if it was a total ban.

And for those who have not done any research please read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga. The opening words are:
Yoga (Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, IPA: [joːgə]) refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India; to the goal achieved by those disciplines; and to one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy.[1][2] The goal of yoga may range from anywhere between improved health and reaching Moksha.[58] Within the monist schools of Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism the goal of yoga takes the form of Moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), at which point there is a realisation of identity with the Supreme Brahman.
I had a chat with a fellow lawyer, a Christian, and I am quoting him that Christian Yoga practitioners that he knew of do not practice some of the Yoga movements, for instances movements the resembles the worshipping of the Sun God.

Thirdly, if the verdict came from our politicians who are known to shoot from their hip, I would have rubbished them. But the Fatwa Council members are scholars of Islam. Amongst them there may be differing views on an issue, just like lawyers/judges having different opinions. A detailed theological study on Islam would provide the details. For one who does not possess detailed knowledge, whether they’re Muslims or otherwise is akin to a client acting on a legal opinion from a layman!

Young Ai Peng says the word ‘Haram’ (forbidden) is hurting to Yoga practitioners. I say it only concerns Muslims. Just like its forbidden to idol worship, eat pork, snake, consume alcohol.

Tan Peek Guat says that after Tsunami President Susilo told his people to eat anything because he loved his people. For a Muslim its of no surprise. Do you know thats what Islam teaches? During the period of emergency/starvations when there are no other food available, in order to survive, it is permissible for Muslims even to eat pork, yes PORK (Babi)! Surprised?? Shocked?? It is not for you to say what Fatwa should be talking about. Learn a little more about the religion before descending into a verbal diarrhea!

Annou Xavier has asked whether Dato’ Zuraidah is a lesser Muslim than the Fatwa council members? No she is not. All Muslims are equal before Allah except in piety. And its not for human to measure one’s piety. The only difference is that the council members are religious scholars meanwhile Dato’ Zuraidah is an expert in securities and a corporate champion. And Dato’ Zuraidah’s fear is unfounded based on the actual Fatwa.

The whole issue has been blown out of proportion. And for those who have misunderstood the whole issue, I repeat, the ban is only in relation to involvement of religious chants, not the physical form.

In passing, I support the call there should be expansion on the areas of fatwa. The fatwa council should also be invited to make fatwa on detention without trial and other crucial matter.

Abdul Fareed Bin Abdul Gafoor