REFER FATWA TO CONFERENCE OF MALAY RULERS, SAYS SELANGOR SULTAN

SHAH ALAM (Malaysia), Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Selangor state,
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, hopes that in future, any decision on a fatwa
(religious edict)involving an issue affecting the public be referred to the
Conference of Malay Rulers (Council of Rulers) before being announced.

The Sultan said this was to ensure that the decision on the fatwa would be
channelled to the people in a wise manner to avoid any confusion and
controversy.

Sultan Sharafuddin said this in a statement issued by his private secretary

Mohamad Munir Bani, here, Monday following the fatwa issued by the National
Fatwa Council on Saturday that yoga is "haram" (forbidden in Islam) as it
contains Hindu elements, thus could affect the "aqidah" (faith) of Muslims who
practise yoga.

The Sultan said the fatwa banning Muslims from practising yoga had not been
enforced in Selangor as it had not been brought before the State Fatwa
Committee.

"The committee chaired by Selangor Mufti Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid will
meet to discuss in-depth yoga activities in the state to avoid making a hasty
decision.

"After the final decision is made by the Selangor State Fatwa Committee on
the matter, it will be presented to the Sultan for consent," said the statement.

It said this was in line with the provisions in the Selangor Islamic
Administration Enactment 2003 on the acceptance of a decision on fatwa.
-- BERNAMA