Up to Malaysia's rulers to accept yoga ruling

Ipoh (Malaysia), Nov.26 : The National Fatwa Council may have declared yoga 'haram' for having the potential to undermine the faith of Muslims as it could be traced back to Hinduism, but according to a senior government official, it is up to the rulers of the respective states in the country to accept the council's decision.

The New Strait Times quoted Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Director-General Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abd Aziz as saying that the power to decide on such religious matters lies with these heads of state, with the department only playing the role of secretariat.

Last Saturday, the National Fatwa Council Chairman, Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, said yoga involved elements that went against the beliefs of Islam in its physical movements, chanting and worship.

On Monday, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah issued a statement saying that the Rulers' Conference must be consulted before significant religious edicts were issued.

Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) director Datuk Jamry Sury said a meeting would be held on December 9 before an announcement is made.

ANI