Yoga should not be used as a political tool or linked to a particular community, top Muslim bodies said today on the eve of International Day for yoga.


The organisations also said that yoga should be seen as form of exercise and not through the prism of religion. "Islam lays special emphasis on physical fitness and considers things related to fitness as good. Yoga as an exercise is good, but it should not be made compulsory which may not be acceptable to people of other religions.


"The most important thing is that Yoga should not be used as a political tool. But, sadly this practice is going on," All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesman Sajjad Nomani said.


He also said that people of every religion and section of society should be encouraged to celebrate Yoga Day tomorrow.


"It is unfair to force upon someone any particular exercise. There should be no dispute vis-a-vis Yoga. People of every religion and section of the society should be encouraged to celebrate International Yoga Day.


"It is important that Yoga should be perceived as a rahmat (mercy) and not a 'zahmat' (worry)," the spokesman said. The All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) was of the view that Yoga should not be linked to a community. -- PTI