Question Summary:
Is Yoga permissible in Islam?

Question Detail:

I am aware yoga is impermissible in Islam because it ties into the Hindu religion. My question is whether now we will consider this (its ties with the Hindu religion)? Because most people who do yoga are not even aware of the fact that it comes from Hindu religion. It is a form of exercise.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Tawheed (Oneness in Allah) is the foundation of Islam. As Muslims we guard our Imaan and distance ourselves completely from any association whatsoever with kufr and shirk.  
Yoga, according to the World Book lexicon is, 'A system of Hindu religious philosophy that requires intense mental and physical discipline as a means of attaining union with the universal spirit.' (World Book p. 2421). Hence, even though Yoga is used only as a fitness programme, it is not permissible
due to its close links with the Hindu religion[1].
The fact that it is recorded that yoga has its origin in Hindu philosophy which is based on shirk, it is not permissible for us to practice yoga even though it is now recorded only a form of physical exercise.
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Asim Patel
Student Darul Iftaa
Venda, South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net