Is it permissible to practice yoga?

Yoga is a concept that includes psychological, spiritual, and physical practices, originating in ancient India. The aim of yoga is to achieve harmony between body and soul, improving mental and physical well-being through bodily exercises.

Meditation, in this context, is presented as the only path to happiness. Yoga and meditation are integral parts of Hinduism and Buddhism, and all their elements are infused with the belief in reincarnation. This worldview contradicts Islamic teachings. The book “Al-Yoga fi Mizan al-Naqd al-‘Ilmi” presents several reasons why practicing yoga is not appropriate.

• Contradicts religious beliefs. Because it involves associating partners with Allah, such as sun worship and chanting its names.

  “(O Muhammad!) I have been commanded only to worship Allah and not to associate anything with Him. I call only to Him, and to Him is my return,” as stated in the Qur’an (Ra’d 13:36).

  Another verse says: “Indeed, it has been revealed to you and to those before you: If you associate others with Allah, your deeds will surely become worthless, and you will surely be among the losers.” (Zumar 39:65).

• Imitating idolaters.

  The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tabarani).

• Some exercises, such as unnatural and improper sitting, standing in the sun for long periods, staring at the sun, etc., are harmful to a person’s health and psychological state.

  The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is not permissible to harm oneself or others.” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah).

• It wastes time. It brings harm and loss in this world, and disaster and despair in the Hereafter.

  The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A person will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about four things: his life and how he spent it, his knowledge and how he acted upon it, his wealth and how he earned and spent it, and his body and how he used it.” (Tirmidhi).

However, if one avoids prohibited actions, Sharia permits practicing yoga as a sport. Still, a Muslim who seeks to maintain physical and mental health should remember that acts of worship in Islam are far superior. Prayer, dhikr, and fasting are proven to bring health to the body and peace to the heart.

The Qur’an says: “Hearts find rest and satisfaction only in the remembrance of Allah.” (Ra’d 13:28).

Prepared by Hasan AMANKUL

“Munara” newspaper, No. 10, 2021