Orthodox Muslims believe that the practice of yoga is tantamount to idol worshiping and fear that it will erode their faith in Allah and Islam. The Hindu element of yoga is the major problem of orthodox Muslim; they see yoga as polytheism and the practice is considered forbidden. The controversy of Islam and yoga is on the rise, but some Muslims are beginning to see the positive aspect of drawing yoga into Islam. As a yogi and a Muslim, I see the practice of yoga as beneficial to salat (prayer) and reposing in the oneness of Allah. Yoga teaches how to stop the mind from distraction, ceasing all worldly activities and focusing on attaining Brahman. Many Muslims struggle with focusing during salat, if the practice of yoga will lead to attaining total focus during salat, why will it be termed forbidden? Anything done in pursuit of knowing Allah and letting go of distraction before salat is regarded as an meritorious act of honoring and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Before salat, doing dhikr (remembrance) for a few minutes is useful; it helps in in forgetting about the world and the various things one is thinking. This act is an act of meditation and helps bring back ones focus to the ultimate meditation (salat) one is about to perform.
             Yoga, as a spiritual practice should not just be permissible in Islam but also desirable because it represents the highest form of prayer. The "soul prayer" (meditation) is a complete absorption, a state without room for distraction any outward thoughts which is the ultimate purpose of yoga. The idea that yoga stems from Hindu polytheism should not be the focus but instead the purpose of yoga. Intention is all that matters in Islam, practicing yoga with the sole intention of attaining a thoughtless state, so that one can connect with Allah would not make one a polytheist or a bad Muslim. Reaching depth into yoga, since yoga means union, it allows a union with the ultimate. Yoga takes one a...