Yoga

[ummtaalib]

Question:
 

Are Muslims
allowed to do yoga as a form of exercise and as a fitness programme?

Answer:

In the Name
of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu
‘alaykumwa-rahmatullāhiwa-barakātuh.

 

Yoga has its
roots, origins and numerous phrases and acts inextricably linked with Hinduism.
As Muslims, we treat matters of our aqeedah (creed and beliefs)
with the utmost importance and without compromise. We are sensitive to issues
of aqeedah and belief. We do not tread on any path that may lead us
to compromise on our aqeedah or influence us in another direction.
Yoga has the potential to do just that. Therefore, yoga is not
permissible. If one wishes to look after his physical health, there are numerous
other exercises that one may implement; exercises that do not compromise ones aqeedah at
all.

And Allah
Ta’āla Knows Best

Checked and
Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

 

http://idealwoman.org/2013/is-yoga-as-a-fitness-programme-permissible/

 

 

[bbm786]

Mufti AK's fatwa on the ''Yoga Craze''.... 

 

With the escalating demands of today’s busy lifestyles, society has seen a rise in the amount of people practicing the ancient art of Yoga as a means towards the improvement of health and alleviation of stress. 

Advocates say yoga enhances the body’s strength and flexibility, offers a workout for internal body organs and revitalizes the senses. In the words of one practitioner, “Yoga is more than just an exercise or a workout. It’s part of a holistic plan that promotes overall wellness. Yoga has given me a different perspective in which to view the world. I simply like the way it makes me feel on and off the mat!”

 

With increasing numbers of Muslims now also showing a keen interest in the discipline, many are eager to establish the Islamic ruling on yoga, and the permissibility of its incorporation into a daily health and fitness routine.

 

Commenting on the phenomenon, Cii Radio in-house Mufti, Abdool Kader(AK) Hoosen said it was necessary to first trace the ancient origins of the practice to determine its lawfulness.

Drawn from a Sanskrit word which means ‘union’ or ‘to join’, yoga is commonly used to refer to a kind of spiritual exercise that is practiced for the purpose of union with the universal spirit.

It forms part of the six āstika or “orthodox” schools of Hindu philosophy. Hindu Theology presents yoga as a devotion capable of uniting the human being with the Divine in the form of the deities of Vishnu or Shiva. Various traditions of yoga are also found in Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Its spread in the West can be largely attributed to the efforts of Hindu monks,who began promoting the art in the late 19th century.

Regardless of the reasons an individual may present for practicing on Yoga, Mufti AK says the pagan origins of the discipline will leave it forever tainted.

 

“Anything to do with the devotions of another faith is not acceptable in Islam. This is a recurrent theme in the Quran:

 

“O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.” (Surah Maaidah: 51)

 

This is not confined to the People of the Book, as Allah Ta’alah says elsewhere:

 

And those who disbelieved are allies of one another.(Surah Anfal:73)

 

Yoga is a proven Hindu practice, and as such for a Muslim to advocate and promote this is totally impermissible. All income gained from promoting Yoga is also Haraam.”

He says the concept of Muslims dissociating themselves from the devotions of other faiths is also established from many authentic Ahadeeth.

 

“Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, and others narrated that a man came to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and said: “O Messenger of Allaah! What do you say about a man who loved some people yet did not do what it takes in order for him to be with them (in the hereafter)” The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied: “One will be with whom he loves” (Bukhaari, Muslim and others).

 

The Prophet Muhammad SAW also said:

 

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Abu Dawood)

 

and

 

“Whoever increases the numbers of a people, is one of them” (Musnad Abu Ya’la)”

 

Mufti AK says those seeking inner-peace or attempting to de-stress should instead resort to established Islamic formulas such as Salaah and Zikr.

 

“Almighty Allah says: ‘Surely in Allah’s remembrance do the hearts find peace.” (Surah Ra’d:28)

 

Instead of yoga, let us increase the amount of Zikrullah, Tilawah of the Quraan, Istigfaar, Salawat upon Nabi SAW etc. If we do that, we are guaranteed to be blessed by Divine Peace and Tranquility.”

 

Over the years, researchers have demonstrated how, in addition to its key spiritual function, Salaah has numerous physical, mental, and health benefits that significantly outweigh those of yoga or other related disciplines.

 

 http://www.ciibroadcasting.com/2013/01/08/the-islamic-ruling-on-yoga/

[ummtaalib]

Assalaamu 'alaykum and Jazaakallah for this wonderful article....and welcome to islamicteachings!!

 

Please note that the first few posts have to be approved by a moderator, I hope it will not deter you from posting

[bbm786]

Assalaamu 'alaykum and Jazaakallah for this wonderful article....and welcome to islamicteachings!!

 

Please note that the first few posts have to be approved by a moderator, I hope it will not deter you from posting

 

 

Barakallah and jazakallahu-khair for the welcome :)

 

Not at all, inshaAllah i'll finish this 'five post' nonsense thing in no time (don't really mean its nonsensical though!). 

[ummtaalib]

Since it does not specify whether you're a sister or a bro I shall refrain from saying "lol" as "unnecessary interaction between genders"  is totally disapproved on the forum.....a sunny disposition is certainly welcome

[ummtaalib]

Assalaamu 'alaykum

So as not to cause confusion I have looked at a good number of Q/A's by respected Ulama from various Iftaa sites. There are two opinions:

 

1. That it is permissible  as long as none of the haram aspects are applied to the yoga exercises:

 

"if the yoga consists in the form of ‘muraqabah’ practiced in the science of tasawuff, then it will be allowed.

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) has said ‘to concentrate strongly on a given subject for someone so that a person starts
feeling the results inside him, to visualise the matter is called meditation’.  At another point, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) has said ‘to turn the thoughts with deep concentration towards Allah and His divine attributes or any such subject and to visualise it from the inner depth of your heart is called meditation’.   (Tasawwuf and Character Building p.54)"

 

 

 

2. It is impermissible (and this is the more popular opinion) as it is deeply rooted in the Hindu religion:

 

   "Yoga, according to the World Book lexicon is, ‘A system of Hindu religious philosophy that requires intense mental and physical discipline as a means of attaining with the universal spirit.’ (World Book p. 2421)"

 

 

"Yoga is a Sanskrit word (an ancient Indian language) meaning to join, or union. This was the name given to an art which originated in the Hindu religion, wherein special spiritual exercises were done to give enlightenment to the soul and to ‘join’ the spiritual self with God.Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and has had some influence on other religious and spiritual practices"

 

I found that there are more opinions against Yoga.

 and Allah ta'ala knows best

[ummtaalib]

The following fatwa is the most detailed:

 

# Hanafi Fiqh > Askmufti.co.za

Q: Is yoga
permissible for Muslims?

 

A: Yoga is a Sanskrit word (an ancient Indian language) meaning to join,
or union. This was the name given to an art which originated in the Hindu
religion, wherein special spiritual exercises were done to give enlightenment
to the soul and to ‘join’ the spiritual self with God.

 

Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and has had some influence on other religious and
spiritual practices. Ancient Hindu texts establishing the basis for yoga
include the Upanishads (old Hindu scriptures), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the
Bhagavad Gita (the famous Hindu Bible), the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and many
others, which specify the criteria of having successfully mastered a particular
yoga technique. The spiritual goals of yoga are regarded as inseparable from
the religions of which yoga forms a part. In other words, Yoga originated as an
inseparable part of the Hindu religion to derive spiritual fulfillment.

 

All records and writings are unanimous that Yoga is
based in, and originates from the Hindu religion. The postures adopted in Yoga
such as the lotus position for example, were positions Hindus adopted when
meditating in front of their deities and idols. In fact, the Hindu Bible, The
Bhagavad Gita teaches the basics of Yoga and the philosophy behind it.

 

A system or discipline that originates from an
idolatrous religion, and comprises postures that resemble the idol worshippers
is not permissible in Islam. The Messenger of Allah (alayhis salaam) abolished
the ways and practices of ignorant times. (Bukhari). He also forbade the
imitation of idol-worshippers, even in acts not related to worship. It appears
in an authentic hadith of Imam Tirmizhi (RA) that once the Sahaaba were out in
jihad with Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), when they came across a
tree on which the Pagan Arabs used to hang their weapons as a symbolic act. The
Sahaaba thought it a good idea to do the same, so they mentioned this to the
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Messenger of Allah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) expressed his amazement at this request, stating
that this is tantamount to following in the footsteps of the Pagans. He forbade
them from doing so. This hadith proves that imitation the ways of other
religions in symbolic acts is not permissible. What was wrong in hanging
weapons on a particular tree if the Sahaaba wanted to rest somewhere? The fact
this practice was symbolic to an un-Islamic culture or faith made it
unacceptable. We, therefore, can apply the same principle to the art of Yoga.
In fact Yoga is deeply rooted in the Hindu religion, and today Hindus still
practice this art as part of their religious ritual and worship. On these
grounds Yoga would not be permissible in Islam.

 

The Religion of Islam has its own form of spiritual
discipline and meditation, and that is zikr of Allah and Salah. The Auliyaa of
Allah (in Tasawwuf) also describe forms of meditation using the concepts in the
Quran and Hadith. Muslims should resort to these types of meditation to seek
closeness to Allah and purification of the soul. 

 

Mufti Siraj Desai

 

[ummtaalib]

Are exercises from yoga permissible?

Hanafi Fiqh > Darulihsan.com

#

 

Q: There is a group of ladies in our area that have a woman trainer to come home and do exercises with them. This lady intends on introducing some other exercises with them that originate from ‘Yoga’.I know that yoga originates from the hindu culture, however they intend to use only the exercises/stretching techniques from yoga and not to practice yoga itself. There will be no meditation, humming and all the other aspects of yoga, just exercises. Will this be permissible?

A: This is acceptable, provided that the conditions mentioned in the question are fully upheld and no other un-Islamic practices are found.

 

Mufti Shafiq Jakhura

Iftaa Department, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre

 

 

I concur with the answer:

Mufti Zubair Bayat

Ameer, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre

 

 

Source: http://islamqa.org/hanafi/darulihsan/76738

[Haya]

Are exercises from yoga permissible?

Hanafi Fiqh > Darulihsan.com

#

 

Q: There is a group of ladies in our area that have a woman trainer to come home and do exercises with them. This lady intends on introducing some other exercises with them that originate from ‘Yoga’.I know that yoga originates from the hindu culture, however they intend to use only the exercises/stretching techniques from yoga and not to practice yoga itself. There will be no meditation, humming and all the other aspects of yoga, just exercises. Will this be permissible?

A: This is acceptable, provided that the conditions mentioned in the question are fully upheld and no other un-Islamic practices are found.

 

Mufti Shafiq Jakhura

Iftaa Department, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre

 

 

I concur with the answer:

Mufti Zubair Bayat

Ameer, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre

Source: http://islamqa.org/hanafi/darulihsan/76738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

why are some exercises which originates from yoga permissible when yoga is not permissible

 

Can you explain

[ummtaalib]

Wa'alaykumus salaam ww Maryam

 

Look at post number 6 (InshaAllah it will become clear) however to further clarify it see below:

 

 

ok see the following which is  within the answer you have quoted:

 

intend to use only the exercises/stretching techniques from yoga and not to practice yoga itself.

 

Here the women are using just the exercises/stretching techniques

 

 

 

 

In Mufti Desai's reply the questioner is asking of the Yoga itself and so his answer is:

 

fact this practice was symbolic to an un-Islamic culture or faith made it unacceptable. We, therefore, can apply the same principle to the art of Yoga. In fact Yoga is deeply rooted in the Hindu religion, and today Hindus still practice this art as part of their religious ritual and worship. On these grounds Yoga would not be permissible in Islam

 

 

inshaAllah this is of help Maryam

[Haya]

Wa'alaykumus salaam ww Maryam

 

Look at post number 6 (InshaAllah it will become clear) however to further clarify it see below:

 

 

ok see the following which is  within the answer you have quoted:

 

Here the women are using just the exercises/stretching techniques

 

 

 

 

In Mufti Desai's reply the questioner is asking of the Yoga itself and so his answer is:

 

 

 

inshaAllah this is of help Maryam

 

:)

 

I thought when yoga isn't permissible then some stretching techniques from yoga should how be permissible? i guess its cos it doesn't contain any shirkia  practice etc. right?

 

But then again are not these stretching techniques mentioned in their religious text?

 

sorry to follow questions with questions but  pls could you elaborate on this? 

[ummtaalib]

I think what the replies are saying is that yoga itself is not permissible due to the various reasons mentioned in the replies but simply using the stertching techniques as a means of exercise is allowed AS LONG AS (following from the reply)....

 

provided that the conditions mentioned in the question are fully upheld and no other un-Islamic practices are found

 

 

personally I don't like copying or using anything even remotely connected with shirk...Alhadulillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen for Islam!!

[Haya]

I think what the replies are saying is that yoga itself is not permissible due to the various reasons mentioned in the replies but simply using the stertching techniques as a means of exercise is allowed AS LONG AS (following from the reply)....

 

 

personally I don't like copying or using anything even remotely connected with shirk...Alhadulillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen for Islam!!

 

Okay. Thank you so much for all replies :)

 

[ummtaalib]

no probs...please ask if you need further clarification here on anywhere else. InshaAllah If I can help I will...if not we can get advise from scholars inshaAllah : )

[Haya]

no probs...please ask if you need further clarification here on anywhere else. InshaAllah If I can help I will...if not we can get advise from scholars inshaAllah : )

 

you tried your best      so that's fine. I understand it. :)