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Cathy Lynn Grossman. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying the Indian physical exercise contains elements of Hinduism that could corrupt Muslims. The National Fatwa Council, which has the authority to rule on how Muslims must conduct their faith, issued a fatwa, or edict, saying yoga involves not just physical exercise but also includes Hindu spiritual elements, chanting and worship. "It is inappropriate. It can destroy the faith of a Muslim," Council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin told reporters, noting that clerics in Egypt also issued a similar edict in 2004 that called the practice of yoga "an aberration." Decisions by the Fatwa Council in Malaysia are not legally binding on Muslims, who comprise nearly two-thirds of the country's 27 million people, unless they are enshrined in national or Shariah laws. However, many Muslims abide by the edicts out of deference, and the council does have the authority to ostracize an offending Muslim from society. The fatwa reflects the growing strain of conservatism in Malaysia, which has always taken pride in its multiethnicity. About 25% of Malaysians are ethnic Chinese and 8% ethnic Indians, mostly Hindus. Recently, the council issued an edict banning tomboys, ruling that girls who act like boys violate the tenets of Islam. Abdul Shukor said many Muslims who practice the globally popular yoga failed to understand that its ultimate aim was to be one with a god of a different religion. "We are of the view that yoga, which originates from Hinduism, combines physical exercise, religious elements, chanting and worshipping for the purpose of achieving inner peace and ultimately to be one with god," he said. But yoga instructor Suleiha Merican, who is a Muslim and has been practicing yoga for 40 years, denied there was a Hindu spiritual element to it. "We don't do chanting and meditation," said Merican, whose father and grandfather were also yoga teachers. "It's a great health science that is scientifically proven and many countries have accepted it" as alternative therapy. The issue of yoga came into the limelight last month when an Islamic scholar expressed an opinion at a seminar that it was un-Islamic, prompting the Fatwa Council to step in. Local newspapers have received several letters from Muslims, expressing indignation at the scholar's view, saying yoga is simply a way to maintain health and has nothing to do with religion. Putri Rahim, a housewife, expressed shock at the fatwa, saying she is no less a Muslim after practicing yoga for 10 years. "I am mad! Maybe they have it in mind that Islam is under threat. To come out with a fatwa is an insult to intelligent Muslims. It's an insult to my belief," Putri told the AP. "I think it is easier for non-Muslims to live in Malaysia now than for Muslims," said Putri. She said yoga helped ease the severe back pain she used to suffer from. There are no figures for how many Muslims practice yoga, but many yoga classes have a sprinkling of Muslims attending. In a recent blog, social activist Marina Mahathir criticized the council for even considering a yoga ban, calling it "a classic case of reacting out of fear and ignorance." "Yoga may have spiritual roots but most of us do it for the exercise, both for the mind and body," Marina wrote. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more