Interview with Adnan Buyung Nasution

"MUI Should Not Follow Malaysia"

VIVAnews - These days, yoga has been a hot topic due to prohibition that the Malaysian Ulama Council issued. The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI), following its neighboring Muslim institution, started to discuss the matter.  

VIVAnews interviewed Adnan Buyung Nasution, former director of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), about the issue.

The Malaysian Ulama Council decided to forbid Yoga. What do you think about the measure?
I think Malaysia's position and fatwa is shameful. To prohibit something that they may not comprehend.

Viral Anak Selebgram Malang Dianiaya Pengasuhnya, Polisi Langsung Tangkap Pelaku

The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) is now discussing about whether or not yoga is allowed.
MUI should not follow what they did. I suggest that MUI be more rational and work more carefully. Try to study it first and listen to experts' opinion on what Yoga is. There are various types of yoga. If they want to prohibit it, which type?

In your opinion what’s yoga?
To me, yoga is a sport, an exercise that’s useful and good for our health.

What about the opinion that it is blasphemy to practice yoga?
Everytime I start doing yoga, I always say Bismillah (“in the name of God”). I make use of yoga's movements to zikir (worship and remember God). Which part that is blasphemy?

When did you start practicing yoga? Do you do it on a routine basis?
I started 34 years ago. I do yoga everyday. Except three days where I work out, including weight lifting. Other than that, I do yoga. Yoga is cheap, you don’t need any exercising tools. All you need is a mat, if not then a blanket can be used.

Do you yoga in the office?
If I have spare time. If I feel exhausted of receiving guests, I'll sit down for a moment, and do yoga for 10 minutes. I would feel refreshed.

Are there any benefits that you feel?
Of course. I'm 75 and I'm still fit. If there is a three-day event abroad, for example, other participants would be tired, but instead I would whistle joyfully when I wake up in the morning. Many of my friends are confused. They would ask me what supplement that I take. I would say, nothing, just yoga. Three weeks ago I went to Ujung Kulon for three days, doing an eight-hour cross country. People who guarded me complained that they were exhausted. Meanwhile I kept going.

So you would object if yoga is prohibited?
Of course! Again, I suggest MUI, if they are discussing yoga, invite the experts. They can also invite me, as a practitioner. That way, the discussion will be scientific.


Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono, Ramona Sofianne Dewi.

Ketua Umum DPP Partai Golkar Airlangga Hartarto.

Suara Golkar di Pemilu 2024 Naik Signifikan, Airlangga: Hitungan Kami Dapat 102 Kursi

Ketua Umum Partai Golkar, Airlangga Hartarto bersyukur suara yang diperoleh partainya pada Pemilu 2024, naik signifikan. Airlangga berterima kasih ke kader dan para caleg

img_title
VIVA.co.id
29 Maret 2024