In a statement that has reignited the longstanding debate on cultural integration and religious practices, a prominent Islamic cleric has expressed support for introducing yoga in madrassas, the traditional Islamic seminaries, while simultaneously asserting that Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) should be excluded as it contradicts Islamic beliefs. This nuanced position offers a perspective that balances the promotion of health and wellness with adherence to religious faith, and has sparked widespread conversation across communities, policymakers, and educators.
🕌 Context: What Are Madrassas and Their Role?
Madrassas are religious schools that provide Islamic education to children and adults, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of the Middle East and Africa. While the primary curriculum is centered around the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence, many madrassas today are gradually incorporating modern subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and now—potentially—physical education.
In India, there has been an ongoing dialogue about reforms in madrassa education to make it more inclusive, modern, and aligned with national development goals. The introduction of yoga into the madrassa curriculum has emerged as one such reform idea.
🧘 The Statement: A Nuanced Stand on Yoga
The cleric in question emphasized that yoga, as a physical discipline, has many health benefits and should not be rejected outright by the Muslim community. He supported the idea of teaching certain asanas (postures) and breathing techniques to students in madrassas, especially considering the rising instances of lifestyle diseases, stress, and mental health challenges among youth.
However, the cleric made it clear that Surya Namaskar, a sequence of poses dedicated to the sun god, should be excluded, as Islam forbids the act of bowing to or worshipping celestial bodies. According to Islamic tenets, worship is reserved solely for Allah, and any act resembling reverence to the sun is seen as shirk (an act of idolatry), which is strictly prohibited in the religion.
🧠 The Larger Debate: Yoga vs. Religion
The discussion around integrating yoga into religious or culturally conservative institutions has always been complex. While yoga is often associated with Hinduism, especially due to its spiritual roots, many practitioners and modern yoga advocates frame it as a secular and universal wellness practice.
Supporters of yoga inclusion argue:
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Yoga improves mental and physical health
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It helps students build focus and discipline
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It can be taught in a culturally neutral manner, devoid of chants or spiritual connotations
On the other hand, critics from conservative or orthodox religious backgrounds believe that certain yoga practices carry ritualistic undertones that conflict with their faith.
🧾 Government Initiatives and Yoga Promotion
Over the last decade, successive Indian governments have actively promoted yoga through events such as the International Day of Yoga, inclusion in school syllabi, and public campaigns. The government has also tried to introduce yoga in madrassas, often facing resistance from sections of the Muslim community.
While some madrassas have voluntarily included yoga as part of physical education, others remain hesitant, citing religious sensitivities.
The recent cleric’s statement adds a moderate and balanced voice to this debate—welcoming yoga for its health merits while drawing a red line where religious doctrines are concerned.
📣 Reactions from the Muslim Community
Reactions from the broader Muslim community have been mixed:
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Progressive voices within the community welcomed the proposal, seeing it as a sign of evolving educational practices.
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Orthodox scholars remain skeptical, warning against a slippery slope that might lead to “Hinduization” of Islamic institutions.
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Parents and students in some areas are open to the idea, especially when yoga is stripped of religious symbolism.
There is also an undercurrent of political suspicion, with some leaders questioning whether such proposals are genuinely aimed at health reform or are tools of cultural assimilation.
🧭 Can Yoga Be Made Religion-Neutral?
The key to broader acceptance of yoga in religious institutions lies in detaching it from spiritual practices. Experts suggest:
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Avoid chanting mantras or invoking deities during sessions
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Focus on scientifically validated postures and breathing exercises
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Involve community leaders in designing culturally acceptable modules
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Emphasize yoga’s therapeutic and wellness aspects, not its origins
If implemented with sensitivity, yoga can act as a bridge between tradition and modernity, fostering better physical health without compromising religious beliefs.
🧑🏫 Voices from Madrassas and Educators
Many madrassa educators have already introduced physical drills and light exercises, understanding their impact on student well-being. Some believe that selective incorporation of yoga, minus its religious affiliations, could be beneficial.
One principal from a madrassa in Lucknow noted, “Our students sit for long hours during Quranic studies. A short yoga session in the morning could improve their posture, energy levels, and focus.”
Teachers and health experts working in the education sector have echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that madrassas can serve as models for holistic education if these practices are customized to respect community norms.
🔍 The Way Forward: Dialogue and Respect
The recent clerical opinion represents a potential turning point in the discourse on yoga in madrassas. It emphasizes mutual respect, understanding, and adaptation. It shows that religious education need not be at odds with modern health practices, provided they are implemented in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Key steps ahead could include:
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Community workshops to clarify misconceptions
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Collaborative curriculum design involving religious scholars and medical professionals
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Government support without coercion
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Pilot programs in willing institutions
🕊️ Conclusion: Health, Harmony, and Harmony with Faith
The idea of teaching yoga in madrassas—minus Surya Namaskar—represents a sensitive yet progressive dialogue between health and faith. It reflects the possibility of embracing global wellness practices while staying rooted in religious principles.
At its best, this moment could symbolize a new chapter in inclusive education—where children in every type of school, religious or secular, receive the tools not just for spiritual growth, but also for physical vitality, mental peace, and emotional strength.
As the nation continues to evolve and bridge divides, such conversations are vital. They affirm that coexistence doesn’t mean compromise—it means compassion, context, and common good.
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