I know I have said it earlier and happy that I was right. To me the trouble with many Muslim intellectual is although they have intelligence but not wisdom. So I expect those idiots would pander their knowledge for all to see and gave a fatwa which is correct but not wise. Yoga whether it is Hartal, Kharma or Bkhatti etc is no doubt Haram. But what is practice today is Commercial Yoga which remains only the forms and stance and nothing else. In fact id one were to go deeper the Sufi's tariqat has her root in Yoganism, the aspiration to be one with the maker. Pls go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga to give a brief idea of Yoga. But again I smell chauvinism in the air. Since most Modern Muslim women has embrace Yoga as part of the fad presently, they is a need to control their thoughts and idea. This idea of controlling minds is one of the faults in UMNO and the conservative Malays. The backlash they receive recently made them aware of their precarious position. They forget at this time and age knowledge is at your fingertip thus any remark which smack of double standard on the Muslim clerics would be hit by a torrent of backlash even from the Sultan. That is also the malady that hits UMNO and the old lady doesn't understand it still. It boggles the people's mind that a former Chief Minister could accuse an Opposition Woman MP of advising the Muslim congregation in a housing area to tone down the call of prayers especially the call in the morning which never happen and Notional type paper accusing her of wearing skirts inside the mosque which never happen and printed a story of an Opposition Woman MP being killed because of it. Because it is own by the ruling party it got away from slandering innocence person and I was happy to note their apparent believe that this would riled up the Malays to them seems nought because knowledge is not their domain anymore. So that is why UMNO must change and change she needs badly.
I remember a while back a Muslims NGO the Muslims Consumer Association leader Dr Maamor on the telly slander IKEA saying the food outlet was not halal, it created a buzz and all the utensil need to be clean by 'tanah' using soil. Later it was found out this was not true, he didn't even offer an apology for what he has done. Yet you can see him eating at outlets eating steaks I know damn well that they use alcohol as part of the ingredient( although Tantawi the former grand cleric of AlAzhar allow the using of Alcohol but it has not been deliberated by the National Religious Council).
I also want to point out that the Religious Council Of Selangor has also came out with an edict saying Smoking is Haram in 1994, why can't the National Religous pick on this issue and deliberated on it and say it out loud. I love that very much but I betcha you because some of them might be smokers too and they can't haram themselve for smoking would they? I remember in 1973 the Mufti of Terengganu issue a fatwa saying samak by soap is allowed. To me it make sense,the forerunner of Jakim at that time try to debunk him but can't in the end they say he was a Hanafi because he was Arabic and transfer him to KL. But funny when we pay our zakat which Mazhab do we follow Hanafi or Shafie and are they all not Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah? For me a fatwa edict must look at all things, people who comes out with edict must be wise and understand the environment they live in. Therefore let's be wise and not stupid as this is the case now. Here some news articles for you to ponder
Jakim says Rulers have last word on yoga for Muslims
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — The Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) says the last word on the yoga fatwa is with the Malay Rulers.
The various states can choose to either accept or reject the National Fatwa Council's decision to ban yoga for Muslims.
The statement comes amid confusion caused by separate statements from the Sultan of Selangor, a Perak state official and other groups following the National Fatwa Council's announcement last week of a ban on Muslims practising yoga.
The decision to ban yoga for Muslims has sparked a roiling debate among various conservative and liberal Muslim groups as well as criticisms from non-Muslims.
Jakim director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz explained today just how a fatwa by the National Fatwa Council is implemented, or even rejected.
He said the council's decision will now be discussed at state-level fatwa committees who answer and report to their respective Rulers.
"Once it is agreed upon, any decision will then be presented to the various state religious councils who then in turn bring the decision to the Sultans for consent," he said in Ipoh today.
The Sultan of Selangor has said that the fatwa would not come into force in the state yet as the Selangor Fatwa Committee would have to first discuss the matter.
Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainal Abidin had also spoken out against the fatwa, arguing that yoga with unIslamic elements removed should be allowed.
Commenting on the intense debate surrounding the fatwa on yoga, Jakim's Wan Mohamad said it showed Malaysians in general appeared to be interested in understanding Islam.
"It is good and bad. It is good that we can explain the beauty of Islam to non-Muslims.
"As we live in a multi-religious country, it is good for our religious authorities to share information and knowledge with one another," he said.
But he reminded the public to give due respect to Islam as the country's official religion.
Sultans' remarks cause a stir
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 - When the National Fatwa Council issued an edict on yoga last week, it also warned Malaysians not to question it but did not figure on the powerful Malay rulers stepping in.
Three rulers - from Selangor, Perak and Negeri Sembilan - have expressed disapproval that the monarchy was bypassed in the matter.
Under Malaysian law, the sultans are the head of Islam in their states, and the King is the head of religion for the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi added his voice to the issue yesterday, saying that "a physical regime with no elements of worship can continue".
He said that Muslims who performed yoga without chanting Hindu mantras could carry on with their activity as it was good for their health.
"I believe that Muslims are not easily swayed into polytheism," he told Bernama.
"What I understand from the decision of the National Fatwa Council is that it was aimed at explaining to Muslims the implications of yoga practice," he said, adding that the fatwa would be implemented only after the rulers had given their consent.
On Tuesday, Perak crown prince Raja Nazrin Shah told the Perak Fatwa Committee to consider the fatwa very carefully. He added it will have to be brought to the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council whichhe chairs, before being presented to the Sultan of Perak for consent.
A day before that, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said any fatwa on public matters should be brought to the Conference of Rulers first. Yesterday, the Regent of Negeri Sembilan, Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja'afar, made a similar comment.
"Recently, the council has come out with edicts on tomboys and yoga. I am not at all certain that membersof the royalty had been consulted on these issues and if not, I would certainly encourage the council to do so," he said.
The public intervention of the rulers has caused a stir as it is unprecedented for them to come into conflict with the government's Islamic authorities. The Islamic bodies are rarely criticised by the politicians for fear of being labelled as un-Islamic.
The rulers' intervention has left the fatwa in limbo. So far, none of the states has gazetted the ruling that yoga is forbidden for Muslims if it included elements of chanting and worship. The physical exercises in themselves are discouraged as they might lead to an erosion of faith.
The fatwa has to be gazetted in each state for it to have the force of law for Muslims in that state.
There are mixed views. Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat said he personally agreed with the edict because of the Hindu beliefs associated with the exercise.But the Perlis Mufti, Dr Asri Zainal Abidin, hadexpressed reservations.
It is not clear if the rulers can reject the fatwa unilaterally. According to law professor Shad Faruqi, it is a grey area, but he believed that the sultans will have a strong say as they have wide discretion in matters of Islam in their states.
The rulers' intervention is the latest of a series of muscle-flexing by the monarchy. Under the Constitution, they have certain powers, but it is only in recent years that they have used it to defeat decisions of the Executive.
Many Malaysians see their intervention as a refreshing voice and a mechanism of checks and balances, filling a vacuum of leadership left by a weak political Executive.
To Prof Shad, the rulers' activism is part of a new cycle in Malaysia's history in which other centres of power are regaining prominence after a long spell of dominance of the political Executive."We are returning to the normalcy of a democracy, and a dispersion of power from a centralised grip to many seats of power," he said. - Straits Times
Faith, fatwa and freedom
COMMENTARY
NOV 25 - At a time when the entire world's confidence in the global financial system is being severely shaken, Malaysia's Muslim scholars are in a state over a four-letter word – yoga – the ancient set of physical movements and meditation that they believe can erode the faith of the faithful.
The fatwa banning yoga, particularly its accompanying chants and prayers, is the latest issued by scholars who form Malaysia's National Fatwa Council, deliberating on a whole host of issues that never cropped up in the time of Prophet Muhammad 1,400 years ago.
The council's last edict was weeks ago against women who dress like men which the learned scholars say could lead to lesbianism.Previously, they had issued edicts that banned cults, heavy rock music, Muslim women in beauty contests, stunning cattle to death, horror movies and others.
And now, yoga.
While the controversial edict will take its time to become law in the various states – Islam is a state matter under the Federal Constitution – the scholars themselves appear to be split on the issue.
Outgoing Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainul Abidin, who apparently did not attend the fatwa council meeting, yesterday said the authorities should offer alternative versions of yoga instead of banning the exercise.
"Yoga practitioners who are Muslims should be given an alternative by practising a version of yoga that does not resemble the version practised by other religions," The Star quoted him as saying, adding that chanting while practising the exercise should also be stopped.
"The fatwa announced in this day and age should not be too rigid. The human movement does not necessarily have a connection with religion," Asri said.
Most politicians have been silent on the issue, except for Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam, who is also aspiring to be Umno deputy president, agreeing to implement the edict, underscoring the establishment's penchant for top-down leadership and directives.
However, cooler heads appear to be prevailing. Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has said the ban will not be enforced until the matter is studied further
But yoga practitioners, be they Muslims or not, are upset.
National Cancer Society of Malaysia advisor Datuk Zuraidah Atan said Muslim cancer survivors are confused as the exercise has proven calming in their fight against the disease.
"An overreaching fatwa like this is not good for them as unnecessary worry can have a negative effect on them psychologically and physically," she said on Sunday, adding that "Some are already feeling guilty for practising it.'
Others fear Islamic department enforcement officials will raid yoga sessions in search of Muslims breaking the fatwa if the edict is implemented.
"You take up yoga to exercise and meditate, not run helter skelter," a yoga follower told The Malaysian Insider.
Another said the economy should be a greater concern than losing one's faith through yoga.
"They should be reassuring us in these crazy times, not putting the fear of God in us," she said. "And if they are so shallow as to think that yoga can lead to Hinduism or wearing pants can turn one into a lesbian, they don't deserve to be scholars of any kind."
But the scholars would beg to differ and have said their edicts should not be criticised but must be followed, fuelling the belief that it all boils down to control over Muslims and their insecurity that the faithful are, well... not that faithful.
And they believe they have the power of the state behind them to ensure compliance.
However, for Malaysians, especially the Muslims, the latest fatwa is a test of faith and freedom to decide what is best for themselves. Just like March 8.
I remember a while back a Muslims NGO the Muslims Consumer Association leader Dr Maamor on the telly slander IKEA saying the food outlet was not halal, it created a buzz and all the utensil need to be clean by 'tanah' using soil. Later it was found out this was not true, he didn't even offer an apology for what he has done. Yet you can see him eating at outlets eating steaks I know damn well that they use alcohol as part of the ingredient( although Tantawi the former grand cleric of AlAzhar allow the using of Alcohol but it has not been deliberated by the National Religious Council).
I also want to point out that the Religious Council Of Selangor has also came out with an edict saying Smoking is Haram in 1994, why can't the National Religous pick on this issue and deliberated on it and say it out loud. I love that very much but I betcha you because some of them might be smokers too and they can't haram themselve for smoking would they? I remember in 1973 the Mufti of Terengganu issue a fatwa saying samak by soap is allowed. To me it make sense,the forerunner of Jakim at that time try to debunk him but can't in the end they say he was a Hanafi because he was Arabic and transfer him to KL. But funny when we pay our zakat which Mazhab do we follow Hanafi or Shafie and are they all not Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah? For me a fatwa edict must look at all things, people who comes out with edict must be wise and understand the environment they live in. Therefore let's be wise and not stupid as this is the case now. Here some news articles for you to ponder
Jakim says Rulers have last word on yoga for Muslims
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — The Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) says the last word on the yoga fatwa is with the Malay Rulers.
The various states can choose to either accept or reject the National Fatwa Council's decision to ban yoga for Muslims.
The statement comes amid confusion caused by separate statements from the Sultan of Selangor, a Perak state official and other groups following the National Fatwa Council's announcement last week of a ban on Muslims practising yoga.
The decision to ban yoga for Muslims has sparked a roiling debate among various conservative and liberal Muslim groups as well as criticisms from non-Muslims.
Jakim director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz explained today just how a fatwa by the National Fatwa Council is implemented, or even rejected.
He said the council's decision will now be discussed at state-level fatwa committees who answer and report to their respective Rulers.
"Once it is agreed upon, any decision will then be presented to the various state religious councils who then in turn bring the decision to the Sultans for consent," he said in Ipoh today.
The Sultan of Selangor has said that the fatwa would not come into force in the state yet as the Selangor Fatwa Committee would have to first discuss the matter.
Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainal Abidin had also spoken out against the fatwa, arguing that yoga with unIslamic elements removed should be allowed.
Commenting on the intense debate surrounding the fatwa on yoga, Jakim's Wan Mohamad said it showed Malaysians in general appeared to be interested in understanding Islam.
"It is good and bad. It is good that we can explain the beauty of Islam to non-Muslims.
"As we live in a multi-religious country, it is good for our religious authorities to share information and knowledge with one another," he said.
But he reminded the public to give due respect to Islam as the country's official religion.
Sultans' remarks cause a stir
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 - When the National Fatwa Council issued an edict on yoga last week, it also warned Malaysians not to question it but did not figure on the powerful Malay rulers stepping in.
Three rulers - from Selangor, Perak and Negeri Sembilan - have expressed disapproval that the monarchy was bypassed in the matter.
Under Malaysian law, the sultans are the head of Islam in their states, and the King is the head of religion for the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi added his voice to the issue yesterday, saying that "a physical regime with no elements of worship can continue".
He said that Muslims who performed yoga without chanting Hindu mantras could carry on with their activity as it was good for their health.
"I believe that Muslims are not easily swayed into polytheism," he told Bernama.
"What I understand from the decision of the National Fatwa Council is that it was aimed at explaining to Muslims the implications of yoga practice," he said, adding that the fatwa would be implemented only after the rulers had given their consent.
On Tuesday, Perak crown prince Raja Nazrin Shah told the Perak Fatwa Committee to consider the fatwa very carefully. He added it will have to be brought to the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council whichhe chairs, before being presented to the Sultan of Perak for consent.
A day before that, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said any fatwa on public matters should be brought to the Conference of Rulers first. Yesterday, the Regent of Negeri Sembilan, Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja'afar, made a similar comment.
"Recently, the council has come out with edicts on tomboys and yoga. I am not at all certain that membersof the royalty had been consulted on these issues and if not, I would certainly encourage the council to do so," he said.
The public intervention of the rulers has caused a stir as it is unprecedented for them to come into conflict with the government's Islamic authorities. The Islamic bodies are rarely criticised by the politicians for fear of being labelled as un-Islamic.
The rulers' intervention has left the fatwa in limbo. So far, none of the states has gazetted the ruling that yoga is forbidden for Muslims if it included elements of chanting and worship. The physical exercises in themselves are discouraged as they might lead to an erosion of faith.
The fatwa has to be gazetted in each state for it to have the force of law for Muslims in that state.
There are mixed views. Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat said he personally agreed with the edict because of the Hindu beliefs associated with the exercise.But the Perlis Mufti, Dr Asri Zainal Abidin, hadexpressed reservations.
It is not clear if the rulers can reject the fatwa unilaterally. According to law professor Shad Faruqi, it is a grey area, but he believed that the sultans will have a strong say as they have wide discretion in matters of Islam in their states.
The rulers' intervention is the latest of a series of muscle-flexing by the monarchy. Under the Constitution, they have certain powers, but it is only in recent years that they have used it to defeat decisions of the Executive.
Many Malaysians see their intervention as a refreshing voice and a mechanism of checks and balances, filling a vacuum of leadership left by a weak political Executive.
To Prof Shad, the rulers' activism is part of a new cycle in Malaysia's history in which other centres of power are regaining prominence after a long spell of dominance of the political Executive."We are returning to the normalcy of a democracy, and a dispersion of power from a centralised grip to many seats of power," he said. - Straits Times
Faith, fatwa and freedom
COMMENTARY
NOV 25 - At a time when the entire world's confidence in the global financial system is being severely shaken, Malaysia's Muslim scholars are in a state over a four-letter word – yoga – the ancient set of physical movements and meditation that they believe can erode the faith of the faithful.
The fatwa banning yoga, particularly its accompanying chants and prayers, is the latest issued by scholars who form Malaysia's National Fatwa Council, deliberating on a whole host of issues that never cropped up in the time of Prophet Muhammad 1,400 years ago.
The council's last edict was weeks ago against women who dress like men which the learned scholars say could lead to lesbianism.Previously, they had issued edicts that banned cults, heavy rock music, Muslim women in beauty contests, stunning cattle to death, horror movies and others.
And now, yoga.
While the controversial edict will take its time to become law in the various states – Islam is a state matter under the Federal Constitution – the scholars themselves appear to be split on the issue.
Outgoing Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainul Abidin, who apparently did not attend the fatwa council meeting, yesterday said the authorities should offer alternative versions of yoga instead of banning the exercise.
"Yoga practitioners who are Muslims should be given an alternative by practising a version of yoga that does not resemble the version practised by other religions," The Star quoted him as saying, adding that chanting while practising the exercise should also be stopped.
"The fatwa announced in this day and age should not be too rigid. The human movement does not necessarily have a connection with religion," Asri said.
Most politicians have been silent on the issue, except for Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam, who is also aspiring to be Umno deputy president, agreeing to implement the edict, underscoring the establishment's penchant for top-down leadership and directives.
However, cooler heads appear to be prevailing. Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has said the ban will not be enforced until the matter is studied further
But yoga practitioners, be they Muslims or not, are upset.
National Cancer Society of Malaysia advisor Datuk Zuraidah Atan said Muslim cancer survivors are confused as the exercise has proven calming in their fight against the disease.
"An overreaching fatwa like this is not good for them as unnecessary worry can have a negative effect on them psychologically and physically," she said on Sunday, adding that "Some are already feeling guilty for practising it.'
Others fear Islamic department enforcement officials will raid yoga sessions in search of Muslims breaking the fatwa if the edict is implemented.
"You take up yoga to exercise and meditate, not run helter skelter," a yoga follower told The Malaysian Insider.
Another said the economy should be a greater concern than losing one's faith through yoga.
"They should be reassuring us in these crazy times, not putting the fear of God in us," she said. "And if they are so shallow as to think that yoga can lead to Hinduism or wearing pants can turn one into a lesbian, they don't deserve to be scholars of any kind."
But the scholars would beg to differ and have said their edicts should not be criticised but must be followed, fuelling the belief that it all boils down to control over Muslims and their insecurity that the faithful are, well... not that faithful.
And they believe they have the power of the state behind them to ensure compliance.
However, for Malaysians, especially the Muslims, the latest fatwa is a test of faith and freedom to decide what is best for themselves. Just like March 8.
posted by wan zaharizan b wan zan at 10:18 PM
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