Yoga as a Universal Practice: Harmonizing Physical Wellness with Spiritual Beliefs
By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
27 June 2025
In today’s world, people want to live healthy lives, feel calm in their minds, and understand their inner selves. Yoga has become a popular and respected way to help with all these things. People from many countries, cultures, and religions now practice Yoga. It is not just for one group—it is for everyone.
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But some people ask an important question: Since Yoga started in ancient India and is linked with spiritual ideas, can people from different religions practice it without going against their own beliefs?
To answer this, we need to understand what Yoga really is. The special thing about Yoga is that it can be practiced in many ways by many types of people. At its centre, Yoga is not only about one religion. It is a way to help the body become stronger, the mind become calmer, and the soul feel more peaceful. People from different religions can practice Yoga and still stay true to their own faiths.
Yoga Beyond Boundaries
Yoga, in simple words, is a system of body movements (called Aasanas), breathing exercises (called Pranayama), and quiet thinking or meditation (called dhyaana). These help to bring balance and peace to the body, mind, and spirit.
It is true that Yoga began in Hinduism, but the main parts of Yoga—like breathing and movement—are not tied to any specific god or religious ritual. That is why people from different religions can use Yoga in a way that fits with their own beliefs.
A Hindu Perspective: Devotion Through Movement
For many Hindus, Yoga is more than just exercise. It is a holy activity. Some people do Aasanas (poses) while thinking of their gods. They may also chant mantras (religious words) while meditating. For them, Yoga is a way to feel closer to the Divine and to grow spiritually.
A Muslim Perspective: Mindfulness Within Monotheism
Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah Almighty and do not accept any practice that includes worship of other gods (this is called shirk). So, some Muslims may feel worried if Yoga is linked to another religion.
However, when Yoga is done only for health, focus, and peace—and not as a religious act—it can be suitable for Muslims too. They can do Yoga while remembering Allah Almighty through dhikr (remembrance), by reading the Qur’ān quietly, or by meditating silently. The breathing exercises can be done while thinking about the Creator. The physical postures can help Muslims stay healthy, which is also important in Islam.
If anything in Yoga seems to go against Islam, Muslims can leave that part and still enjoy the health benefits. In this way, Yoga becomes a helpful practice, not a religious problem.
Respectful Coexistence Through Shared Practice
One beautiful thing about Yoga is that it is flexible. The same Yoga poses can be done by people of different religions in their own way. A Hindu may chant the name of their god, while a Muslim may say “Subhan Allah” or “La Ilaaha Illaa Allah” quietly. Both people feel connected to their faith. Both enjoy the benefits of Yoga. Both are doing something meaningful.
This shows that Yoga can help people understand each other better. It does not have to cause division. It can bring people together in respect and peace.
Conclusion: Yoga as a Bridge, Not a Barrier
When Yoga is practiced with care and respect for different religions, it does not create conflict. Instead, it becomes a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds. It helps them stay healthy and calm, while staying true to their faith.
In a world where people often argue about differences, Yoga offers a different path. It shows us that we can live in peace, be mindful, and accept others. For Hindus, Muslims, and people of all faiths, Yoga can be a shared journey toward peace and well-being.
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Kaniz Fatima is an Islamic scholar and a regular columnist to New Age Islam.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism