Exercise intertwined with religious elements, mantras, or worship strictly off-limits – FT Mufti

The Federal Territory Mufti’s Office issued a strong warning against blending yoga with religious elements such as mantras, worship, or rituals. In an article from the latest Tinta Mufti, Federal Territory Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil reiterated that any physical exercise intertwined with religious elements remains strictly prohibited under Islamic law.

The Mufti's office emphasized that Islamic law does not simply categorize all stretching and bending as one activity. Pure physical exercise, devoid of any rituals, chants, or foreign spiritual elements, is considered different.

The warning came in response to a viral social media clip that portrayed yoga as a universal stretch suitable for everyone, even encouraging viewers to reserve a spot at the Shiva Yoga Peeth in Rishikesh, India. Upon closer examination of the curriculum offered at this particular Shiva Yoga Peeth, it became clear that the program extends far beyond basic fitness.

The syllabus includes in-depth study of the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras, practices like Om chanting, chakra meditation, Gayatri mantras, temple tours, and the Ganga Aarti. These additional elements led authorities to assert that such institutions should not be perceived merely as wellness retreats aimed at improving flexibility or reducing stress.

The Mufti’s office took the opportunity to remind public figures and influencers to exercise caution when offering opinions on religious law. They stressed that personal transformations or admiration for a particular guru do not grant someone the authority to issue religious decrees for the public. Simultaneously, officials clarified that delineating these theological boundaries is not an invitation for hostility.

Instead, they emphasized that genuine harmony is achieved through mutual respect, understanding, and adherence to proper etiquette—not by merging different religious rituals or diluting core beliefs.