[HenriRow]

Firstly, is sheesha absolutely not allowed in islam ? Or is it just haraam when you do it very frequently or to the extent that you actually get high on it ?

Secondly, I know a few of the yoga poses are wrong like the sun salutations and all but what about the stretches and the breathing exercises ? Are those islamically wrong all together ? Even if youre intention is merely to stay fit ?

[BypeVupyide]

Secondly, I know a few of the yoga poses are wrong like the sun salutations and all but what about the stretches and the breathing exercises ? Are those islamically wrong all together ? Even if youre intention is merely to stay fit ?

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته و مغفرته!

I don't see why the breathing/stretches would be incorrect. As for the sun salutation, is there a fatwa against it as I was not aware it was not allowed. They are different to prostration and neither would anyone mistake it for such.

[ZXRamon]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Knowing the polytheist origin of a thing, should create a deep aversion for it in a mumin.

http://islamqa.org/?s=yoga&cats=12,3...,8,9,5,21,19,7

http://islamqa.org/hanafi/askmufti/45441
http://islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/3544

http://islamqa.org/hanafi/muftisays/10342

[BypeVupyide]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Knowing the polytheist origin of a thing, should create a deep aversion for it in a mumin.

http://islamqa.org/?s=yoga&cats=12,3...,8,9,5,21,19,7

http://islamqa.org/hanafi/askmufti/45441
http://islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/3544

http://islamqa.org/hanafi/muftisays/10342

و عليكم السلام و رحمة الله و بركاته و مغفرته

Jazaakallah for the links sister. It does say in one though that if it is used in muraqabah it is ok. Can you explain that?

Also, I can understand why it is not allowed due to people possibly mistaking you for a Hindu due to the deep roots, but what about some exercise programs who out of all the
exercises might use one or two stretches which are also used in yoga, as stretching is limited to a few effective techniques? By using just one or two the affiliation with yoga is lost as it can no longer be called yoga as 95% if not more is completely different.

I ask because in a workout program I do there is maybe less than a handful of exercises also found in yoga.

In other words, is it the yoga program as a whole considered impermissible due to its links with Hinduism, or each and every individual exercise? I would have thought the former but would like to be sure.

[ZXRamon]

I don't know brother. It would be best to ask a scholar.

All I can say is that since it is not necessary and there are several alternatives available, then it is best to be most careful. So, maybe one can avoid those exercises specifically.

For every action, we should always contemplate that my Creator is watching me and whether He will be pleased with me being engaged in that act, or not. And Allah knows best.

[HenriRow]

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته و مغفرته!

I don't see why the breathing/stretches would be incorrect. As for the sun salutation, is there a fatwa against it as I was not aware it was not allowed. They are different to prostration and neither would anyone mistake it for such.

My yoga instructor makes us turn and literally face the sun for the surya namaskar..and the whole act stems from the sun -worshipping hindus.. I have no fatwa on it ; we dont do chants though
I think we desperately need an aalim to answer your question about fitness programs because almost ALL of them _incorporate_ yoga moves but _arent_ yoga in the true sense

Ah well, swimming is a sunnah and its a great sport too so i guess thats that.

-> bint_azam, thank you for all your help.

[euylvaygdq]

My yoga instructor makes us turn and literally face the sun for the surya namaskar..and the whole act stems from the sun -worshipping hindus.. I have no fatwa on it ; we dont do chants though
I think we desperately need an aalim to answer your question about fitness programs because almost ALL of them _incorporate_ yoga moves but _arent_ yoga in the true sense

Ah well, swimming is a sunnah and its a great sport too so i guess thats that.

-> bint_azam, thank you for all your help.

Sister, at some point, you have to take some responsibility for your own actions.
If your yoga instructor is presenting what you deem to be yogic religiosity or ritualistic behavior, then you are responsible to abandon that class.

Sister, I can understand how you might feel if you enjoy the class, but you are also put off by the hindu ritualism subtly injected. Yoga has been a "gateway ritual" towards polytheistic religions from India into American culture for years now. I have heard of Muslim women joining yoga classes led by Jewish yoga instructors and eventually leaving Islam from their influences.

As for a mufti rendering fatwa on every single yoga stretch, I don't think that's necessary. Individual Muslims have to determine the circumstances they are facing in each individual matter. In your case, your yoga instructor is essentially invoking a religious practice of facing the sun during whichever pose. This is different from someone teaching people basic stretching before running, or playing any sport.

Stretching and Callisthenics goes back centuries to pre combat warm ups. Even animals stretch. In fact, some stretching prior to physical activity can be detrimental and debilitating, rather than preventative or therapeutic. However, yoga IS a form of worship and religiousness born of Hindu philosophy. It's a form of worship because it consists of permanent poses, activities, at particular times, to accomplish a goal or purpose and is inheritly linked to a stated religion, Hinduism.
One can learn how to stretch without yoga, and be in physical condition without engaging in hindu practices or beliefs.

and Allah knows best.

[SeftyJokipl]

Sister,

in my dad's office one Yoga master came to teach Yoga for workers. He said that for Muslim's their prayers are better than Yoga

[WeestDype]

Sister,

in my dad's office one Yoga master came to teach Yoga for workers. He said that for Muslim's their prayers are better than Yoga

SubhAllaah