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The implementation of the National Fatwa Council's edict seems to be facing some hiccups in the states of Selangor and Perak. The sultan of Selangor has said the edict cannot be implemented yet, as the State Fatwa Committee had to deliberate the matter. He reiterated that he wants the Rulers' Conference to be consulted before significant religious edicts are issued. This is to ensure that when a fatwa is issued, it will be done wisely to avoid confusion and controversy.
The sultan of Perak has taken a similar stand, saying the fatwa cannot be adopted in Perak until it has been discussed by the State Fatwa Committee and brought to the attention of the State Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council before being presented to the Perak sultan for consent.
From what I understand, the National Fatwa Council is only an advisory body and has no legal power to enforce its edicts. It is therefore appropriate and timely for the rulers of Selangor and Perak to put on hold the banning of yoga until they have consulted with the muftis and agencies appointed by them.
By all accounts, many faithful practitioners of yoga are left high and dry in bewilderment as to what to do next. There are alternative exercise programs, such as pilates – a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in early 20th century Germany. It was actually developed during the First World War to provide a rehabilitation program for injured and wounded soldiers. Pilates is a happy mix of yoga-like breathing exercises and Western aerobics, without the involvement of spirituality. If properly undertaken Pilates has the same calming and relaxing effect of yoga on the system.
The ban on yoga recalls many others that have been announced but not enforced. For example, a fatwa was issued declaring that smoking is haram, but there are some who disagree and many who continue to smoke. Cigarettes continue to be sold and smoked in Malaysia and other Muslim countries and by Muslims everywhere. Even the consumption of alcohol – which is clearly haram as stated in the Holy Koran – continues to be open and allowed in Malaysia, even among Muslims.
But the contentious issue is that yoga can be traced back to Hinduism, and its practice includes chanting, mantras and worship that do not accord with Muslim practices.
As the ban on yoga is confined to Muslims, happily, yoga centers in Malaysia may not be closed altogether. Fatwas are religious edicts issued by learned Islamic scholars as a guideline for Muslims only. In Malaysia, they usually concern matters that have not been clearly spelled out in the Holy Koran or the Hadith – the oral tradition of Islam.
In another decision, the National Fatwa Council has declared it haram for Muslim women to dress like men or for girls to exhibit tomboyish behavior. This is precarious ground, as there is no clear definition of what dress or behavior will fall into these categories. It could be confusing to Muslim women, and it could open the way for harassment of girls and women. Therefore I hope this fatwa will also be further discussed and clarified.
Malaysia is a multicultural country, after all. It follows the Gregorian calendar, which was decreed by the Catholic Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. We usher in the New Year with great expectations, going full throttle singing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight. Our schools and businesses will soon welcome 2009 – which is in fact based on the birth of Jesus Christ.
The wayang kulit, or shadow puppets plays that have their origins in Hinduism, form an integral part of the culture of Malaysia’s Kedah and Kelantanese people.
The ancient Chinese fitness regimen of tai chi is practiced widely by Muslims too. This may have hidden religious elements as well, perhaps borrowed from the rites of the Shaolin monks. What about other martial arts, like qigong, silat and taekwando? Will they all become the object of fatwas in the days to come?
I'm impressed by our much revered and beloved sultans, who since the March 8, 2008 general election have discarded their ceremonial roles and are speaking up to defend the Constitution and the rule of law. Their readiness to exert their newfound authority is something to be reckoned with. Their involvement as articulators of national policy is indeed good for Malaysian society and ought to be welcomed with open arms, after more than two decades of being sidelined from active national political life.
Malaysians need to move forward. People should be encouraged to express their personal feelings on controversial issues, as this will promote a healthy democracy that draws upon the strength of our diverse cultures.
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(Sekina Joseph is a freelance writer, social activist and member of the Malaysian Interfaith Network based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She writes on social, cultural, philosophical and interfaith issues. She has traveled extensively and is an independent thinker on global issues and international affairs. She can be contacted at sknjoseph@yahoo.com. ©Copyright Sekina Joseph.)
