Malaysian PM says Muslims can do yoga without mantras

Badawi's remarks come after a ruling by this Muslim-majority country's National Fatwa Council that yoga was haram (forbidden) as it involved chanting of mantras which was against Islamic teachings and that people could deviate from Islam if they performed yoga which has its roots in Hinduism.

"I wish to state that a physical regime with no elements of worship can continue, meaning, it is not banned. I believe that Muslims are not easily swayed into polytheism," Badawi told national news agency Bernama.

The council's verdict shocked Muslims who practiced yoga, with many protesting through letters to newspapers that the ancient form of exercise had helped them keep fit and had in no way made them deviate from their faith.

Badawi urged everyone to understand the content of the yoga fatwa and not twist facts which could cause confusion among the public, Bernama said.

He said Muslims who performed yoga and did not chant any mantra could carry on with their activity as it was good for their health. He added that non-Muslims in this multi-ethnic country should not feel hurt or slighted by the announcement of the yoga fatwa as it was only applicable to Muslims.

Malaysia has a majority Muslim population with 60 per cent following the faith, while ethnic Chinese, mostly Christians and Buddhists, formed 25 per cent and ethnic Indians, a majority of them Hindus, comprise 8 per cent of the country's 26 million population.