Islamic leaders ban smoking, yoga

JAKARTA, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Indonesia's highest Islamic authority has banned smoking by children and pregnant women.

The country's Islamic authority, the Indonesian Ulema Council, has banned pregnant women and children from smoking, as well as men from lighting up in public places, the Jakarta Post reported Monday.

Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama, says his group has long declared smoking as "mukruh," meaning it is allowed but discouraged, the newspaper reported.

"The danger of smoking is relative, not as significant as the danger of drinking (alcohol). Also, those who smoke have also relative benefit, for example, their thinking is clear when smoking," he was quoted as saying.

The group also banned Muslims from practicing yoga if it contains Hindu rituals such as chanting.

"I know many Muslims are practicing yoga but they still observe Islamic teachings. They do not take the Hindu teachings, but practice it as an exercise for their physical and mental well-being," said Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra.

Although the edicts are not legally binding, most devout Muslims will likely adhere because they consider ignoring a fatwa, or religious decree, sinful.