YOGA FOR MUSLIMS

Many of my Muslim brothers think that yoga is a Hindu term and it is prohibited for Muslims. As I know yoga is not a religion.It is a path to better mental, physical & emotional health. Namaz is also a combination of Asanas & meditation. Namaz is a religious duty of a Muslim. Yoga is not a substitute of Namaz. There is some problem for Muslims to do Yoga practices, like...chanting om mantra...imagination of idols or god other than Allah...salute to sun during sun salutation...bow in front of guru's picture..etc. Muslim can do Yoga practices with few changes with Islamic spirit...during the sun salutation no need to imagine sun..just practice. instead of om Muslim can chant Allahumma or other Islamic word sounding same as om...Even om is also represent to one almighty god, but Yoga should be practices with faith because it it not only physical exercise but internal cleansing also. To develop faith towards the Yoga we need to some changes in various Yoga traditions, as per Islamic faith because without faith we cannot gain the benefits of Yoga. It is greatness of many of Yoga gurus who understand the problem of Muslims and allow few changes as per Islamic values..We are grateful to them.