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Fernandez’s
conviction pg2
set aside
Yoga fatwa on hold
by Terence Fernandez
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA: The implementation
of the fatwa (edicts) on yoga and
tomboys announced by the National
Fatwa Council are on hold pending the
Council of Rulers’ approval.
According to sources, the rulers
have expressed reservation over the
pronouncement of the fatwa and want
to study both edicts before giving royal
assent.
The fatwa prohibiting Muslims
from practising yoga, an ancient form
of exercise with roots in
Hinduism, was issued
on Saturday by National It is the wish of Tuanku that in future any been discussed
Fatwa Council chairman fatwa that will affect the general public
Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor will be brought to the Council of Rulers first
Husin. On Oct 23, he
issued another edict
before it is announced.”
banning tomboys and
lesbianism.
Yesterday Sultan of Selangor Sultan
Sharafuddin Idris Shah declared that
for now the fatwa on yoga will not be
enforced in the state as the edict was
not brought before the Selangor Fatwa
Committee. Perak is believed to have a
similar position.
“The State Fatwa Committee which
is chaired by the Mufti of Selangor will
convene to discuss the matter in depth,
so that no decision is made in haste,”
His Royal Highness said in a statement
issued through his private secretary
Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani. The state-
ment said after the committee had
decided on the fatwa, the proposal will
be presented to the Sultan who will
decide if it should be adopted. This is
in line with the Islamic Administration
Enactment (Selangor) 2003.
“It is the wish of Tuanku that in
future any fatwa that will affect the
general public will be brought to the
Council of Rulers first before it is
announced,” the statement said, add-
ing that by adhering to protocol and
procedure, any decision to implement
a fatwa “can be done intelligently so as
to avoid confusion and controversy”.
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» All locally-made biscuits melamine-free pg2 » Lennon to star for England pg31 Sports
COUNCIL OF RULERS MUST APPROVE
EDICT BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION TOP OF THE HEAP ...
When contacted, an Istana Bukit as Perak is concerned, both fatwa will Chris Brown poses with his awards for favourite
Kayangan official said any religious not be implemented as yet,” said a male artist in the pop/rock and the soul/R&B
edict can be issued only by the Council palace source in Kuala Kangsar. categories at the 2008 American Music Awards
of Rulers before its implementation. “It Jamry yesterday withdrew his in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The 19-year-
is not for the Fatwa Council to declare statement. He said as JAIP director, old star, famed for his on-stage athleticism,
edicts at its whims and fancy,” he said. it was beyond his jurisdiction and dis- overshadowed Alicia Keys, who led the field
“So as far as Selangor is concerned, cretion to make a stand on a religious with five nominations, and ended up with
any fatwa issued without the proper matter which was the prerogative a pair of statuettes.
procedure does not stand, and this of the Sultan of Perak. “The Brown was clearly shocked
involves (on) yoga and tomboys.” fatwa (on yoga) cannot be when his name was
adopted in Perak announced for artiste of
yet as it has not the year, the ceremony’s
final award.
by the State » Full report and more
Fatwa Com- photos page 19
mittee and
brought to
the attention
of the State
A source said some Malay rulers Islamic Religious
were not pleased with the edicts as and Malay Cus-
they were not consulted, as required. toms Council
“It is felt that the Fatwa Council did before being
not respect the position of the Sultans presented to the
as guardians of Islam in their states,” Perak Sultan for
said the source. consent,” he told
According to procedure, after a Bernama.
fatwa is discussed by the State Fatwa Meanwhile,
Committee, the Mufti, submits it to in MALACCA,
the Islamic Religious Council, which Chief Minister
in turn makes a recommendation to Datuk Seri Mohd
the Ruler for his assent to publish the Ali Rustam said
fatwa in a Gazette. Once published, the state govern-
the fatwa is binding on every Muslim ment would gazette
in the state. the fatwa on yoga by
The source added that such next month, the latest.
protocol was common knowledge He said the state govern-
to members of the National Fatwa ment fully supported the ruling
Council. It is not known if Abdul that the systematic practice of
Shukor will be summoned by the yoga which involved physical
Yang di-Pertuan Agong, however movements, mantra and the
Perak State Religious Department aim of oneness with God were
(JAIP) director Datuk Jamry Sury has against Islamic teachings.
earned the displeasure of the royal “I will hold a special meeting
household for saying the state would with the Malacca State Islamic Reli-
adopt the fatwa on yoga even before gious Council to discuss the matter,”
REUTERSPIX
Sultan Azlan Shah or Raja Muda Raja he said after visiting the state zakat
Nazrin Shah were consulted. “As far headquarters in Bukit Palah.