n i c c o t y n n e /is/ n v r m n d

” If you believe in freedom, let them practise their freedom ” – Luthfi Assyaukanie, Chairman of Liberal Islam Network

“We respect the harmony and freedom of practice of other races. This is not something for non-Muslims to interfere in or question as this matter involves Muslims and their faith. – Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin , Chairman of National Fatwa Council

I will be the first one to admit that it was weird that someone thought we needed a fatwa on Yoga,i may have even winced a little when the fatwa council decided that they will issue a ruling on the subject. Then came out the finding: Yoga is haram if you include the exercise and meditation TOGETHER with the religious chanting. So that means :

The exercise movement in OK

The meditation aspect is OK

The religious chanting is HARAM

I do not understand why the Hindu Sangam finds the fatwa offensive. Islam says worshipping Idols is haram and that is at the core of the hindu practice, we also say that believing in anything other than Allah as creator is misguided….

Keep in Mind: The fatwa council said the esercise is fine, the meditation is fine, it is the hindu chant that is caught in their reasoning net.

This is a matter of faith and the fatwa council is looking at the broader interest of Muslims in the country.

When muftis agreed to ban pengkid and yoga, everyone wants a piece of the shattered glass. Truth is, you are meddling with Islam and you have no rights to tell me anything unless you’re huffing my grass.

If you’re a Chinese, you do not want to be sweeping the house during Chinese New Year (it’s like shoo-ing luck), similarly, if you’re a Hindu, it’s wrong to eat cow’s meat. Both are equally questionable. But your views may differ depending on ‘what’ you are.

Now my question, do you see us (Muslim) object these traditions/beliefs scrupulously? No. It’s your business and we respect that.

For Malaysians, race has always been a sensitive issue. Any distinctive odor of racist will surely ignite their subconscious genes. However, religion is a few pitch higher.

You are free to question the role of NEP, English as education medium, ISA or why no Gardenia bread in Sabah. Anything but religion. Why can’t you? Because you do not understand what’s it like to be in this shoe. I’m not saying it’s a burden, but one must embrace a religion as a whole and not sikit-sikit to grasp the concept.

Unlike the PM, mufti’s words are final and is only subjected to Muslim. So please fellow Muslims, understand that, Fatwa exists not to suppress your freedom, but to distinguish between right and wrong. Like it or not, you have to accept it, even if you think it’s written by a pious nerd.