Spirituality in Islam (2): Yoga is Not from Islam

 The Origins of Yoga: A Practice Rooted in Religion

Spirituality in Islam Series

Yoga, often marketed today as a universal wellness exercise, has its origins in Hinduism. It was not created merely as a physical practice but as a form of worship and devotion in Hindu philosophy. The word "yoga" itself is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to unite," specifically to unite the practitioner’s soul with the divine according to Hindu beliefs.

In Hindu tradition, yoga is a spiritual exercise involving physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, all aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment. It is deeply intertwined with their religious rituals and scriptures. As one Hindu monk famously remarked, 

Those who practice yoga without belief in its spiritual roots are, in essence, stealing a form of worship.


Why is Yoga Popular in the Secular West?

In the West, yoga gained popularity as a response to spiritual discontent. After the decline of religious authority, particularly the rebellion against Christianity during the Enlightenment and the secular movements of the 20th century, many Westerners were left with a spiritual void. Yoga was adopted as a convenient way to fill this emptiness without requiring belief in a particular faith.

However, the adoption of yoga in this secularized form detaches it from its original religious essence, raising significant ethical and theological questions.


Islam’s Perspective: Spirituality Without Borrowing

Islam teaches that human beings have a natural inclination toward spirituality. This is embedded in the concept of fitrah—the innate disposition toward recognizing and worshiping the One True God. The Qur’an reminds us:

"So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth—the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know." (Qur'an 30:30)

In Islam, spirituality is not about adopting practices from other religions or cultures but about adhering to the pure and comprehensive system of worship that Allah has ordained. Every act of worship in Islam—be it Salah, fasting, or supplication—is designed to nourish the soul and connect it directly to the Creator.


Yoga and the Pantheistic Belief: A Clear Conflict with Tawheed

One of the fundamental reasons why yoga is problematic for Muslims lies in its connection to the Hindu belief in pantheism. In simple terms, pantheism is the idea that God and the universe are one and the same—that the Creator exists within creation as a form of energy permeating everything. This belief leads to the notion that humans can connect with the divine through meditative practices, such as yoga, by "aligning" themselves with this universal energy.

For Muslims, however, this concept is clear Shirk (associating partners with Allah). Islam is firmly rooted in Tawheed, the belief in the absolute oneness and transcendence of Allah. The Creator is not part of His creation; He is distinct from it and above it in every way. Practices like yoga, which attempt to "connect" with a divine energy believed to exist within the universe, contradict the essence of Islamic monotheism. Such practices blur the line between Creator and creation, undermining the core of Islamic belief.

This stark theological difference highlights why Muslims must approach practices like yoga with caution and awareness. What may seem like a harmless physical or mental exercise can carry profound implications for one's faith if its underlying philosophy is adopted, even unintentionally.

The Prophet ﷺ warned:

"Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Abu Dawood, 4031)
This Hadith serves as a cautionary reminder for Muslims to avoid practices that could blur the lines between Islamic worship and non-Islamic rituals.

Islamic Alternatives to Yoga

Instead of yoga, Islam offers practices that fulfill the same goals of relaxation, mindfulness, and spiritual growth, without compromising faith:

  • Salah (Prayer): Beyond being an obligation, Salah offers physical benefits similar to yoga while nurturing the soul. The bowing, prostration, and recitation provide mindfulness and a sense of grounding.
  • Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Simple phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar repeated with sincerity can calm the mind and bring peace to the heart.
  • Tafakkur (Contemplation): Reflecting on the wonders of creation or the wisdom of Allah’s commands offers clarity and strengthens one’s connection to the Divine.

An Invitation to Authentic Spirituality

Islam recognizes the human need for spiritual fulfillment but cautions against borrowing rituals from other religions. True peace is found not in mimicking others but in sincerely turning to Allah, as the Qur’an beautifully declares:

"Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Qur'an 13:28)

Muslims are invited to rediscover the treasures within their own faith. And for non-Muslims, this is an opportunity to explore a spirituality that is both logical and deeply fulfilling—a spirituality rooted in worshiping the One Creator without intermediaries or contradictions.


Conclusion

Yoga is not just an exercise; it’s a religious practice with deep spiritual roots. While the modern world may seek to secularize it, Muslims are reminded to stay true to the spirituality of Islam, which offers all the tools needed for peace and connection with Allah. Let us reflect on the richness of our faith and find fulfillment within the comprehensive spiritual system of Islam.

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