On November 22, 2008, the National Fatwa Council announced that Yoga is 'haram' in Islam and in one fell swoop, Muslims will no longer be allowed to practice it -- once it is gazetted as law.<br /><br />Yoga attracted what is arguably, unwarranted attention from no less than the NFC as a result of an opinion from an Islamic scholar that Yoga, could be 'haram' in Islam because it could cause Muslims to deviate from his or her faith.<br /><br />This decision drew criticisms from Muslim and non-Muslim practitioners who have felt real physical and mental benefits of Yoga through its physical exercise and meditative elements.<br /><br />The Fatwa or religious decree once gazetted, will become enforceable and challenges the rights of individuals of a particular faith from practising what is essentially an ancient form of exercise. <br /><br />The reason for the ban -- only that Yoga has Hindu roots.<br /><br />Malaysiakini talks to Yoga instructors and practitioners on their views towards the ban.<br /><br />We also talked to Norhayati Kaprawi of Sisters-In-Islam and Yusri Mohamad of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) for their views on the Fatwa.<br /><br />This is the first of a 2-part feature on the 'Yoga Fatwa'. The second part will be available on Friday.<br /><br />Producers: Lydia Azizan & Azreen Madzlan<br />Editor: Lydia Azizan<br />Camera: Shukri Mohamad & Fiqtrey Al Hakimey
