Jharkhand: Fatwa fails to deter Muslim girl from yoga routine

RANCHI: Fatwa and threats filed to deter 21-year-old Rafia Naaz, who is committed towards her mission, ‘Yoga Beyond Religion’ (YBR) and runs a yoga School in Ranchi. Rafia, who has been practising yoga right from the age of four, believes it is not for any religion of community and must be recognised purely as a fitness sport.

A fatwa had been issued against her last November for practising yoga and she was threatened with death by some people from her community, following which she was provided security by the Jharkhand government.

Rafia, presently pursuing yoga from Doranda College, makes out a living for her family by teaching yoga at a local orphanage.

Rafia came into limelight after she shared stage with Baba Ramdev sometime back. She has bagged more than 52 medals and certificates of appreciation during several national and international events.

“Objective behind YBR is to bring orphans and poor children to the mainstream so that they can be provided employment in the field of yoga,” she said. When the whole world has embraced yoga in view of its benefits, why should there be opposition to it in our own country, she asks.

“Those who don’t want to chant mantras can practice yoga by taking the name of Khuda. If still they don’t want to adopt it, they should at least not stop others who want to do it,” said the outspoken yoga teacher.