Scholars Association condemns government support for Yoga Day event

The Scholars Association has expressed concern over the government’s cooperation in this year’s International Yoga Day event, which was organized by the Indian High Commission.

The event, held at the Taj Exotica Resort, drew more than 500 participants and was attended by State Minister for Sports Ibrahim Amir and Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian.

In a statement, the Scholars Association, comprising 104 religious scholars, criticized the government’s involvement, claiming that yoga constitutes shirk (idolatry) under Islamic teachings.

The association reiterated that it had previously warned about the religious implications of yoga, and said state officials should refrain from participating in what it called “unreligious acts.”

Referring to the 2022 Yoga Day event held at Galolhu Stadium, the association noted that the incident had sparked unrest, during which protesters stormed the venue and disrupted the event. Some individuals were later charged with terrorism and inciting violence. However, the Prosecutor General’s Office later dropped the charges after a review of the case.

The statement also pointed out that several individuals now in government were previously at the forefront of opposing Yoga Day celebrations.

“It is unacceptable that a State Minister attended this event as guest of honour, given the background and religious sensitivities,” the association said.

The Scholars Association called on the President and state institutions to ensure that no acts perceived as shirk are permitted within the country, and urged the public to safeguard the religious unity of Maldives.

Yoga has long been a subject of debate in Maldives. While some scholars view it as incompatible with Islamic beliefs, others have taken a more moderate stance.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom previously stated that yoga, if practiced purely as physical exercise without spiritual or religious connotations, does not constitute shirk.

“There is no connection between Islam and yoga,” Maumoom said in 2022.

“Islam is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. If something is not prohibited by Allah, it is considered permissible.”